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{t:"April 2009 | Vol. 86 | Issue 4",p:1,x:37,y:1575,w:227,h:22},
{t:"Update:",p:1,x:994,y:1078,w:237,h:89},
{t:"School Employee ",p:1,x:725,y:1157,w:514,h:89},
{t:"Retirement Stimulus",p:1,x:638,y:1236,w:620,h:89},
{t:"Service with a smile",p:1,x:605,y:1334,w:656,h:90},
{t:"Court sides with ",p:1,x:756,y:1432,w:483,h:89},
{t:"bus drivers",p:1,x:899,y:1511,w:341,h:89},
{t:"www.mea.org",p:1,x:1116,y:101,w:101,h:22},
{t:"Green",p:1,x:56,y:724,w:613,h:198},
{t:" schools",p:1,x:56,y:872,w:643,h:145},
{t:"2 ",p:2,x:28,y:1594,w:15,h:21},
{t:"APRIL 2009",p:2,x:57,y:1594,w:96,h:21},
{t:"Letter to members »",p:2,x:186,y:69,w:616,h:99},
{t:"from the executive office",p:2,x:28,y:22,w:267,h:35},
{t:"In this issue, you’ll read about some of the exciting ways Michigan schools are “going green.” From recycling ",p:2,x:206,y:224,w:830,h:61},
{t:"projects to community outreach, MEA members are embracing—and in many cases—leading the charge for ",p:2,x:220,y:257,w:820,h:21},
{t:"change.",p:2,x:206,y:282,w:60,h:21},
{t:"But becoming more environmentally friendly is far from the only change we will face over the coming months. ",p:2,x:215,y:307,w:827,h:21},
{t:"Some will be new programs and policy initiatives we can easily welcome, such as the infux of federal stimulus ",p:2,x:206,y:332,w:830,h:21},
{t:"money to invest in education and the promise of strong public schools once again becoming a national priority.",p:2,x:206,y:357,w:831,h:21},
{t:"Other changes will be harder to manage.",p:2,x:215,y:382,w:305,h:21},
{t:"Budget issues, especially at the state level, are impacting all of us. The struggling economy affects not just our ",p:2,x:215,y:407,w:831,h:21},
{t:"own wallets, but those of the families we serve. More students are coming into the classroom hungry and afraid, ",p:2,x:206,y:432,w:844,h:21},
{t:"uncertain whether mom or dad will have a job by the time they get home. Worse yet, some have already lost ",p:2,x:206,y:457,w:814,h:21},
{t:"homes and been forced to change schools halfway through the year.",p:2,x:206,y:482,w:513,h:21},
{t:"The burden of many of these issues will be placed upon our shoulders. As public school employees, we are ",p:2,x:215,y:507,w:811,h:21},
{t:"often the frst line of compassion for our students outside their immediate families. From the bus driver with a ",p:2,x:206,y:532,w:825,h:21},
{t:"reassuring smile to the food service worker who serves perhaps the only meal a child will get that day, we have ",p:2,x:206,y:557,w:832,h:21},
{t:"an important role to play. Our ability to nurture, guide and foster success is needed more than ever now. No one ",p:2,x:206,y:582,w:844,h:21},
{t:"knows better than we do that it takes more than a book and a lesson plan to help students reach their potential. ",p:2,x:206,y:607,w:842,h:21},
{t:"We’ve done it before, and we have no doubt that MEA members will rise to the occasion and meet whatever new ",p:2,x:206,y:632,w:848,h:21},
{t:"obstacles we face head-on.",p:2,x:206,y:657,w:204,h:21},
{t:"It is ftting then, that this issue talks about green efforts in our schools. Across the state, MEA members are ",p:2,x:215,y:682,w:806,h:21},
{t:"trying things never done before in a classroom and fnding new ways to make this rapidly changing area of study ",p:2,x:206,y:707,w:848,h:21},
{t:"relevant to students’ lives. But more than that, we are proving that our public schools can be innovative and ",p:2,x:206,y:732,w:812,h:21},
{t:"successful…and green!",p:2,x:206,y:757,w:177,h:21},
{t:"It’s a lesson that goes far beyond the classroom. And that’s something we can all be proud of. ",p:2,x:215,y:782,w:706,h:21},
{t:"Clockwise from left:",p:2,x:769,y:906,w:129,h:22},
{t:"MEA member Kathleen Koernke from Farmington ",p:2,x:769,y:938,w:303,h:21},
{t:"attended MEA's 2009 Bargaining, Political ",p:2,x:769,y:961,w:268,h:21},
{t:"Action and Public Relations Conference. While ",p:2,x:769,y:983,w:289,h:21},
{t:"there, attendees were urged to call Senators ",p:2,x:769,y:1006,w:278,h:21},
{t:"Debbie Stabenow and Carl Levin to ask for their ",p:2,x:769,y:1028,w:299,h:21},
{t:"support on economic stimulus legislation.",p:2,x:769,y:1051,w:260,h:21},
{t:"Rep. Fred Miller, left, attended Lobby Day, an ",p:2,x:769,y:1082,w:281,h:21},
{t:"MEA-sponsored event for members to engage ",p:2,x:769,y:1105,w:284,h:21},
{t:"lawmakers.",p:2,x:769,y:1127,w:71,h:21},
{t:"Rosa Johnson, a Mount Pleasant teacher, ",p:2,x:769,y:1159,w:258,h:21},
{t:"and economist Richard Levins at MEA's ",p:2,x:769,y:1182,w:249,h:21},
{t:"2009 Bargaining, Political Action and Public ",p:2,x:769,y:1204,w:279,h:21},
{t:"Relations Conference.",p:2,x:769,y:1227,w:135,h:21},
{t:"Iris K. Salters",p:2,x:37,y:365,w:82,h:17},
{t:"President",p:2,x:37,y:382,w:56,h:17},
{t:"Steven B. Cook",p:2,x:37,y:546,w:91,h:17},
{t:"Vice President",p:2,x:37,y:564,w:86,h:17},
{t:"Peggy McLellan",p:2,x:37,y:729,w:95,h:17},
{t:"Secretary-Treasurer",p:2,x:37,y:747,w:115,h:17},
{t:"KAREN SCHULZ/MEA",p:2,x:755,y:1243,w:0,h:13},
{t:"On the go",p:2,x:236,y:1151,w:0,h:89},
{t:"Share ",p:2,x:68,y:1179,w:55,h:25},
{t:"your photos",p:2,x:37,y:1204,w:99,h:25},
{t:"Submit photos of ",p:2,x:37,y:1232,w:109,h:21},
{t:"you on the job or ",p:2,x:37,y:1254,w:105,h:21},
{t:"at an association ",p:2,x:37,y:1277,w:111,h:21},
{t:"function. Each ",p:2,x:37,y:1299,w:93,h:21},
{t:"issue, we’ll publish ",p:2,x:37,y:1322,w:123,h:21},
{t:"a few photos of ",p:2,x:37,y:1344,w:98,h:21},
{t:"MEA members on ",p:2,x:37,y:1367,w:110,h:21},
{t:"the go. E-mail your ",p:2,x:37,y:1389,w:121,h:21},
{t:"digital image(s) to ",p:2,x:37,y:1412,w:119,h:21},
{t:"kschulz@mea.org . ",p:2,x:37,y:1434,w:116,h:21},
{t:"KAREN SCHULZ/MEA",p:2,x:579,y:1543,w:0,h:13},
{t:"DOUG PRA",p:2,x:1067,y:1543,w:0,h:13},
{t:"TT/MEA",p:2,x:1067,y:1490,w:0,h:13},
{t:"MEA VOICE ",p:3,x:1115,y:1594,w:99,h:21},
{t:"3",p:3,x:1227,y:1594,w:9,h:21},
{t:"what’s inside for you",p:3,x:995,y:22,w:221,h:35},
{t:"« Contents",p:3,x:740,y:69,w:329,h:99},
{t:"Executive Director » Lu Battaglieri",p:3,x:186,y:1443,w:182,h:16},
{t:"Director of Communications » Doug Pratt",p:3,x:186,y:1459,w:220,h:16},
{t:"Editor » Karen Schulz",p:3,x:186,y:1476,w:114,h:16},
{t:"Communications Consultant » Rosemary Carey",p:3,x:186,y:1493,w:251,h:16},
{t:"Media Relations Specialist » Kerry Birmingham",p:3,x:186,y:1509,w:252,h:16},
{t:"Publications Specialist » Shantell Coats Crispin",p:3,x:186,y:1526,w:256,h:16},
{t:"Proofreader-Graphics Editor » Sue Garyet",p:3,x:186,y:1543,w:219,h:16},
{t:"The MEA Voice ISSN 0883-573X-is an offcial publication of the Michigan Education Association, 1216 Kendale ",p:3,x:483,y:1411,w:589,h:17},
{t:"Blvd., East Lansing, MI 48823. Opinions stated in the MEA Voice do not necessarily refect the offcial position ",p:3,x:483,y:1429,w:589,h:17},
{t:"of the MEA unless so identifed. Published by Michigan Education Association, Box 2573, East Lansing, MI ",p:3,x:483,y:1448,w:589,h:17},
{t:"48826-2573. Periodicals postage paid at East Lansing and additional mailing offces. Payment of the active ",p:3,x:483,y:1467,w:589,h:17},
{t:"membership fee entitles a member to receive the MEA Voice. Of each annual fee whether for active or affliate ",p:3,x:483,y:1486,w:589,h:17},
{t:"membership, $12.93 is for a year’s subscription. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the MEA Voice, Box ",p:3,x:483,y:1504,w:589,h:17},
{t:"2573, East Lansing, MI 48826-2573 or via e-mail at webmaster@mea.org . Allow at least three weeks for change ",p:3,x:483,y:1523,w:589,h:17},
{t:"of address to take effect. MEA Voice telephone: 517/332-6551 or 800/292-1934. Circulation this issue: 165,597",p:3,x:483,y:1542,w:584,h:17},
{t:"8",p:3,x:530,y:1011,w:55,h:119},
{t:"12",p:3,x:943,y:1011,w:111,h:119},
{t:"14",p:3,x:196,y:1316,w:83,h:89},
{t:"8",p:3,x:494,y:1316,w:41,h:89},
{t:"22",p:3,x:982,y:1316,w:83,h:89},
{t:"In every issue",p:3,x:632,y:254,w:117,h:25},
{t:"Editor’s note, 4",p:3,x:632,y:282,w:112,h:21},
{t:"10 fast reads, 6",p:3,x:632,y:307,w:117,h:21},
{t:"Bulletin board, 17",p:3,x:632,y:332,w:135,h:21},
{t:"Generation Next, 22",p:3,x:632,y:357,w:151,h:21},
{t:"More inside",p:3,x:632,y:404,w:100,h:25},
{t:"Wayne-Westland update, 15",p:3,x:632,y:432,w:206,h:21},
{t:"Member wellness, 16",p:3,x:632,y:457,w:161,h:21},
{t:"Elections at Spring RA, 18",p:3,x:632,y:482,w:196,h:21},
{t:"Classifeds, 21",p:3,x:632,y:507,w:108,h:21},
{t:"On the cover",p:3,x:632,y:554,w:108,h:25},
{t:"Green schools, 8",p:3,x:632,y:582,w:126,h:21},
{t:"Retirement stimulus, 5",p:3,x:632,y:607,w:171,h:21},
{t:"Service with a smile, 12",p:3,x:632,y:632,w:178,h:21},
{t:"Bus drivers, 14",p:3,x:632,y:657,w:114,h:21},
{t:"Cover photo",p:3,x:873,y:254,w:101,h:25},
{t:"Hartland High School ",p:3,x:873,y:282,w:162,h:21},
{t:"anatomy teacher Cheryl ",p:3,x:873,y:307,w:179,h:21},
{t:"Whittle works on plants, ",p:3,x:873,y:332,w:179,h:21},
{t:"including an orchid, in her ",p:3,x:873,y:357,w:199,h:21},
{t:"classroom with seniors ",p:3,x:873,y:382,w:171,h:21},
{t:"Lindsey Vockler and Colin ",p:3,x:873,y:407,w:194,h:21},
{t:"Yurick. Whittle says she ",p:3,x:873,y:432,w:178,h:21},
{t:"revives and “recycles” ",p:3,x:873,y:457,w:168,h:21},
{t:"plants to donate. Hartland ",p:3,x:873,y:482,w:196,h:21},
{t:"High School is an offcial ",p:3,x:873,y:507,w:185,h:21},
{t:"Michigan Green School. ",p:3,x:873,y:532,w:181,h:21},
{t:"Photo by Rod Sanford.",p:3,x:873,y:557,w:170,h:21},
{t:"Read the MEA Voice magazine ",p:3,x:873,y:607,w:200,h:22},
{t:"online in our new interactive",p:3,x:873,y:632,w:192,h:22},
{t:"viewer at www.mea.org/voice.",p:3,x:873,y:657,w:196,h:22},
{t:"4 ",p:4,x:28,y:1594,w:15,h:21},
{t:"APRIL 2009",p:4,x:57,y:1594,w:96,h:21},
{t:"by Karen Schulz",p:4,x:936,y:100,w:122,h:21},
{t:"interact with us",p:4,x:28,y:22,w:165,h:35},
{t:"Editor’s note »",p:4,x:186,y:69,w:445,h:99},
{t:"You’re reading these words printed on someone else’s trash.",p:4,x:186,y:199,w:470,h:61},
{t:"As the MEA Voice shines a light on efforts to make schools greener, we’ve ",p:4,x:223,y:232,w:556,h:21},
{t:"switched to more Earth-friendly paper for this ",p:4,x:186,y:257,w:344,h:21},
{t:"issue. This issue is printed on 100 percent ",p:4,x:186,y:282,w:324,h:21},
{t:"post-consumer paper. That means the paper ",p:4,x:186,y:307,w:341,h:21},
{t:"contains wood fber that has been made en-",p:4,x:186,y:332,w:331,h:21},
{t:"tirely from paper recycled by consumers like ",p:4,x:186,y:357,w:338,h:21},
{t:"you. The words are printed with soy-based ",p:4,x:186,y:382,w:323,h:21},
{t:"ink, also considered eco-friendly.",p:4,x:186,y:407,w:247,h:21},
{t:"The “old” Voice was somewhat environ-",p:4,x:195,y:432,w:298,h:21},
{t:"mentally friendly (soy ink and partially re-",p:4,x:186,y:457,w:309,h:21},
{t:"cycled paper) but this issue is even more so.",p:4,x:186,y:482,w:335,h:21},
{t:"We made the switch—at no additional ",p:4,x:195,y:507,w:290,h:21},
{t:"cost—from a glossier paper made from ",p:4,x:186,y:532,w:298,h:21},
{t:"less post-consumer waste. In addition to a ",p:4,x:186,y:557,w:321,h:21},
{t:"grainier feel, you may notice that words and ",p:4,x:186,y:582,w:333,h:21},
{t:"pictures bleed through to the next page more ",p:4,x:186,y:607,w:344,h:21},
{t:"with this paper.",p:4,x:186,y:632,w:114,h:21},
{t:"It’s not the only thing we’ve done this month to curb waste.",p:4,x:195,y:657,w:441,h:21},
{t:"When it comes to volume, we’ve pared down our mailing list, removing dupli-",p:4,x:195,y:682,w:577,h:21},
{t:"cates, remote out-of-state libraries and those who no longer wish to receive the ",p:4,x:186,y:707,w:595,h:21},
{t:"publication. We’re working toward offering an online-only version of the Voice ",p:4,x:186,y:732,w:582,h:21},
{t:"(stay tuned for details) for those who try to minimize waste.",p:4,x:186,y:757,w:442,h:21},
{t:"There are additional steps that can be taken to keep the Voice out of landflls—",p:4,x:195,y:782,w:593,h:21},
{t:"and you can help.",p:4,x:186,y:807,w:135,h:21},
{t:"Most communities and schools have recycling programs with capacity to accept ",p:4,x:195,y:832,w:604,h:21},
{t:"magazines. Find out what’s offered in your area, and send used Voices there.",p:4,x:186,y:857,w:579,h:21},
{t:"If you don’t have a formal recycling program, you can creatively recycle. Line a ",p:4,x:195,y:882,w:594,h:21},
{t:"birdcage, make a craft project, share the magazine with a friend. Leave it behind ",p:4,x:186,y:907,w:610,h:21},
{t:"in a waiting room or at the gym.",p:4,x:186,y:932,w:237,h:21},
{t:"Please help us extend the life of this paper—and our planet. ",p:4,x:195,y:957,w:457,h:21},
{t:"kschulz@mea.org",p:4,x:195,y:1057,w:132,h:21},
{t:"800-292-1934",p:4,x:195,y:1082,w:110,h:21},
{t:"LETTER",p:4,x:186,y:1147,w:70,h:35},
{t:"Dear Editor ,",p:4,x:195,y:1206,w:100,h:22},
{t:"I want to thank all the members of the MEA staff ",p:4,x:195,y:1232,w:405,h:21},
{t:"and leadership for their support in the contract ",p:4,x:186,y:1257,w:392,h:21},
{t:"negotiations in Wayne-Westland. All the teachers ",p:4,x:186,y:1282,w:407,h:21},
{t:"involved felt a deep sense of shared purpose be",p:4,x:186,y:1307,w:378,h:21},
{t:"-",p:4,x:582,y:1307,w:6,h:21},
{t:"cause MEA was so committed to our cause.",p:4,x:186,y:1332,w:345,h:21},
{t:"In addition to all the fne support, I found all of ",p:4,x:195,y:1357,w:390,h:21},
{t:"you to be just fne people as well. I am proud to ",p:4,x:186,y:1382,w:397,h:21},
{t:"be a member of the MEA!",p:4,x:186,y:1407,w:203,h:21},
{t:"The response and help of the MEA made the",p:4,x:195,y:1432,w:355,h:21},
{t:"whole process a near -religious experience. An",p:4,x:186,y:1457,w:370,h:21},
{t:"army of angels came to help us. And we are ",p:4,x:186,y:1482,w:368,h:21},
{t:"grateful.",p:4,x:186,y:1507,w:64,h:21},
{t:"Tom Donnelly, guidance counselor , Westland",p:4,x:195,y:1531,w:376,h:22},
{t:"We love letters",p:4,x:623,y:1147,w:150,h:35},
{t:"Have something you’d like to share about an article you read in the ",p:4,x:623,y:1207,w:441,h:21},
{t:"magazine?",p:4,x:623,y:1232,w:70,h:21},
{t:" » Letters must be 150 words or fewer. Include address and tele-",p:4,x:623,y:1257,w:423,h:21},
{t:"phone number for verifcation purposes only. Letters are subject ",p:4,x:642,y:1282,w:420,h:21},
{t:"to editing. Items submitted to the MEA Voice may be published or ",p:4,x:642,y:1307,w:430,h:21},
{t:"distributed in print or electronic forms. Letters will be published ",p:4,x:642,y:1332,w:422,h:21},
{t:"as space allows.",p:4,x:642,y:1357,w:108,h:21},
{t:" » The deadline to submit letters for the next issue of the MEA Voice ",p:4,x:623,y:1382,w:447,h:21},
{t:"is June 20.",p:4,x:642,y:1407,w:69,h:21},
{t:"Questions? Call 517-333-6239.",p:4,x:632,y:1432,w:206,h:21},
{t:" » By e-mail: kschulz@mea.org",p:4,x:623,y:1456,w:223,h:22},
{t:" » By fax: 517-337-5414",p:4,x:623,y:1481,w:174,h:22},
{t:" » By mail: Letters to the Editor, MEA Voice, 1216 Kendale Blvd., ",p:4,x:623,y:1506,w:436,h:22},
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{t:"On the Web—Look for this icon throughout ",p:4,x:590,y:1029,w:375,h:25},
{t:"the magazine for online extras.",p:4,x:590,y:1054,w:265,h:25},
{t:"On the Web",p:4,x:37,y:1354,w:100,h:25},
{t:"We’ve redesigned ",p:4,x:37,y:1382,w:111,h:21},
{t:"www.mea.org—",p:4,x:37,y:1404,w:99,h:21},
{t:"check it out!",p:4,x:37,y:1427,w:78,h:21},
{t:"What do you think ",p:4,x:37,y:432,w:113,h:21},
{t:"of this more  ",p:4,x:37,y:454,w:80,h:21},
{t:"eco-friendly ",p:4,x:37,y:477,w:76,h:21},
{t:"Voice? Do you ",p:4,x:37,y:499,w:86,h:21},
{t:"like this paper? ",p:4,x:37,y:522,w:98,h:21},
{t:"Send an e-mail to ",p:4,x:37,y:544,w:113,h:21},
{t:"kschulz@mea.org ",p:4,x:37,y:567,w:112,h:21},
{t:"with your  ",p:4,x:37,y:589,w:64,h:21},
{t:"comments.",p:4,x:37,y:612,w:68,h:21},
{t:"KAREN SCHULZ/MEA",p:4,x:1067,y:614,w:0,h:13},
{t:"The MEA Voice is printed at a union shop in Battle Creek.",p:4,x:704,y:632,w:365,h:22},
{t:"MEA VOICE ",p:5,x:1115,y:1594,w:99,h:21},
{t:"5",p:5,x:1227,y:1594,w:9,h:21},
{t:"by Doug Pratt",p:5,x:196,y:100,w:102,h:21},
{t:"« In brief",p:5,x:786,y:69,w:283,h:99},
{t:"your news now",p:5,x:1063,y:22,w:155,h:35},
{t:"MEA-backed retirement stimulus would open jobs, ",p:5,x:186,y:176,w:872,h:60},
{t:"save money",p:5,x:186,y:236,w:203,h:60},
{t:"Stay tuned to www.mea.org for latest on HB 4285, SB 255",p:5,x:186,y:307,w:436,h:21},
{t:"“For as along as I can remember, my ",p:5,x:186,y:357,w:286,h:21},
{t:"goal has been to teach.”",p:5,x:186,y:382,w:185,h:21},
{t:"Gary Scott, a Student MEA member ",p:5,x:195,y:407,w:276,h:21},
{t:"at Michigan State University, is like ",p:5,x:186,y:432,w:268,h:21},
{t:"thousands of other education majors ",p:5,x:186,y:457,w:283,h:21},
{t:"at Michigan colleges and universi-",p:5,x:186,y:482,w:258,h:21},
{t:"ties. He grew up and received a great ",p:5,x:186,y:507,w:289,h:21},
{t:"education in Michigan and wants ",p:5,x:186,y:532,w:257,h:21},
{t:"to dedicate his professional career ",p:5,x:186,y:557,w:265,h:21},
{t:"to serving Michigan students. But, ",p:5,x:186,y:582,w:265,h:21},
{t:"as he explained in a Lansing State ",p:5,x:186,y:607,w:264,h:21},
{t:"Journal op-ed earlier this year, he ",p:5,x:186,y:632,w:258,h:21},
{t:"and other teachers-in-training can’t ",p:5,x:186,y:657,w:273,h:21},
{t:"fnd education jobs in Michigan.",p:5,x:186,y:682,w:244,h:21},
{t:"That’s why Scott and thousands ",p:5,x:195,y:707,w:251,h:21},
{t:"of other Michigan public school",p:5,x:186,y:732,w:239,h:21},
{t:"employees support the MEA-backed",p:5,x:186,y:757,w:276,h:21},
{t:"School Employee Retirement ",p:5,x:485,y:357,w:228,h:21},
{t:"Stimulus. Proposed in January by a",p:5,x:485,y:382,w:269,h:21},
{t:"bipartisan group of legislators, the",p:5,x:485,y:407,w:257,h:21},
{t:"plan would increase monthly pen -",p:5,x:485,y:432,w:263,h:21},
{t:"sion payments, encouraging school",p:5,x:485,y:457,w:268,h:21},
{t:"employees who are currently eligible",p:5,x:485,y:482,w:275,h:21},
{t:"to retire to do so.",p:5,x:485,y:507,w:128,h:21},
{t:"These retirements would provide ",p:5,x:494,y:532,w:253,h:21},
{t:"job openings for thousands of new ",p:5,x:485,y:557,w:266,h:21},
{t:"school employees who otherwise ",p:5,x:485,y:582,w:253,h:21},
{t:"might leave the state to fnd employ-",p:5,x:485,y:607,w:276,h:21},
{t:"ment, taking their families and their ",p:5,x:485,y:632,w:275,h:21},
{t:"futures along with them. ",p:5,x:485,y:657,w:189,h:21},
{t:"The retirement stimulus would save ",p:5,x:494,y:682,w:275,h:21},
{t:"$410 million next year and $1.7 bil-",p:5,x:485,y:707,w:272,h:21},
{t:"lion over the next decade because ",p:5,x:485,y:732,w:265,h:21},
{t:"new employees would replace those ",p:5,x:485,y:757,w:279,h:21},
{t:"who retired at the top of the salary ",p:5,x:784,y:357,w:264,h:21},
{t:"schedule. ",p:5,x:784,y:382,w:79,h:21},
{t:"A projected defcit in the state’s ",p:5,x:793,y:407,w:243,h:21},
{t:"School Aid Fund this year will prompt ",p:5,x:784,y:432,w:289,h:21},
{t:"many school districts to lay off school ",p:5,x:784,y:457,w:287,h:21},
{t:"employees. But, if the stimulus pro-",p:5,x:784,y:482,w:271,h:21},
{t:"posal passes, mass layoffs may be ",p:5,x:784,y:507,w:265,h:21},
{t:"prevented.",p:5,x:784,y:532,w:81,h:21},
{t:"The School Employee Retirement ",p:5,x:793,y:557,w:258,h:21},
{t:"Stimulus was introduced as House ",p:5,x:784,y:582,w:268,h:21},
{t:"Bill 4285 by Rep. Fred Miller, D-Mt. ",p:5,x:784,y:607,w:276,h:21},
{t:"Clemens, and Senate Bill 255 by ",p:5,x:784,y:632,w:254,h:21},
{t:"Sen. Wayne Kuipers, R-Holland. ",p:5,x:784,y:657,w:249,h:21},
{t:"Action on these bills is expected ",p:5,x:784,y:682,w:249,h:21},
{t:"to happen quickly—stay tuned to ",p:5,x:784,y:707,w:257,h:21},
{t:"www.mea.org/retirement for the latest ",p:5,x:784,y:732,w:289,h:21},
{t:"details on the proposal. ",p:5,x:784,y:757,w:182,h:21},
{t:"•	",p:5,x:186,y:957,w:13,h:21},
{t:"MEA	members	get	upper	deck	tickets	for	",p:5,x:214,y:957,w:313,h:21},
{t:"a discounted price of $20.",p:5,x:214,y:982,w:197,h:21},
{t:"•	",p:5,x:186,y:1007,w:13,h:21},
{t:"Sunday	afternoon	game	features	the	Every	",p:5,x:214,y:1007,w:323,h:21},
{t:"Kid, Every Sunday giveaway guarantee. It ",p:5,x:214,y:1032,w:313,h:21},
{t:"is also Kid’s Day—free Ferris Wheel and ",p:5,x:214,y:1057,w:305,h:21},
{t:"Carousel rides; kids run the bases post-",p:5,x:214,y:1082,w:297,h:21},
{t:"game (weather permitting).",p:5,x:214,y:1107,w:203,h:21},
{t:"•	",p:5,x:186,y:1132,w:13,h:21},
{t:"Download	order	form	from	www.mea.org/",p:5,x:214,y:1132,w:306,h:21},
{t:"tigers to be in the running to throw out the ",p:5,x:214,y:1157,w:320,h:21},
{t:"frst pitch that afternoon (must use online ",p:5,x:214,y:1182,w:315,h:21},
{t:"order form to enter frst pitch contest).",p:5,x:214,y:1207,w:287,h:21},
{t:"•	",p:5,x:186,y:1232,w:13,h:21},
{t:"Orders	must	be	received	by	July	1—act	",p:5,x:214,y:1232,w:302,h:21},
{t:"today!",p:5,x:214,y:1257,w:44,h:21},
{t:"•	",p:5,x:186,y:1282,w:13,h:21},
{t:"Check	(payable	to	Detroit	Tigers	Inc.)	or	",p:5,x:214,y:1282,w:303,h:21},
{t:"credit card only—do not send cash.",p:5,x:214,y:1307,w:269,h:21},
{t:"•	",p:5,x:186,y:1332,w:13,h:21},
{t:"Fax	form	to	313-471-2599	(Attn:	Jeff	Lutz)",p:5,x:214,y:1332,w:317,h:21},
{t:"	",p:5,x:186,y:1357,w:4,h:21},
{t:"or	mail	to:	",p:5,x:214,y:1357,w:80,h:21},
{t:"Michigan Education Association Day ",p:5,x:214,y:1382,w:278,h:21},
{t:"c/o Jeff Lutz, Detroit Tigers",p:5,x:214,y:1407,w:199,h:21},
{t:"2100 Woodward Ave.",p:5,x:214,y:1432,w:160,h:21},
{t:"Detroit, MI 48201",p:5,x:214,y:1457,w:133,h:21},
{t:"Detroit Tigers’ MEA Day—Sunday , Aug. 16, at 1:05 p.m. ",p:5,x:186,y:830,w:848,h:55},
{t:"vs. Kansas City Royals",p:5,x:186,y:885,w:348,h:55},
{t:"Seat location is best available at time order is placed. MEA members must use either this order form or the one downloaded from",p:5,x:186,y:1508,w:594,h:15},
{t:"www.mea.org/tigers to receive this special offer . Only members ",p:5,x:770,y:1508,w:284,h:15},
{t:"ordering via the online form are eligible for the frst pitch contest. Offer not available at Comerica Park Box Offce or through",p:5,x:186,y:1525,w:568,h:15},
{t:" any online ticket outlets. Orders must be received via mail or fax by",p:5,x:741,y:1525,w:312,h:15},
{t:"July 1 and paid by check or credit card—no cash please. Offer subject to availability",p:5,x:186,y:1541,w:388,h:15},
{t:".",p:5,x:564,y:1541,w:3,h:15},
{t:"Detroit Tigers’ MEA Day Ticket Order Form",p:5,x:569,y:947,w:421,h:35},
{t:"Total Cost per Ticket ......................................... $20",p:5,x:588,y:989,w:337,h:21},
{t:"# of Tickets .....................______ x $20 = ______",p:5,x:588,y:1021,w:337,h:21},
{t:"Service fee ...................................................... + $6",p:5,x:588,y:1052,w:337,h:21},
{t:"Total Cost  ............................................... $______",p:5,x:588,y:1084,w:337,h:21},
{t:"_____________________________________________________________________",p:5,x:569,y:1129,w:485,h:16},
{t:"MEA Member Number (see your MEA Membership Card)",p:5,x:569,y:1144,w:341,h:16},
{t:"_____________________________________________________________________",p:5,x:569,y:1175,w:485,h:16},
{t:"Name",p:5,x:569,y:1190,w:35,h:16},
{t:"_____________________________________________________________________",p:5,x:569,y:1221,w:485,h:16},
{t:"Address",p:5,x:569,y:1236,w:48,h:16},
{t:"_____________________________________________________________________",p:5,x:569,y:1267,w:485,h:16},
{t:"City ",p:5,x:569,y:1282,w:25,h:16},
{t:"State ",p:5,x:862,y:1282,w:33,h:16},
{t:"Zip",p:5,x:991,y:1282,w:18,h:16},
{t:"_____________________________________________________________________",p:5,x:569,y:1313,w:485,h:16},
{t:"Phone",p:5,x:569,y:1327,w:38,h:16},
{t:"_____________________________________________________________________",p:5,x:569,y:1359,w:485,h:16},
{t:"E-mail",p:5,x:569,y:1373,w:37,h:16},
{t:"_____________________________________________________________________",p:5,x:569,y:1404,w:485,h:16},
{t:"Credit Card No. (VISA, MasterCard or American Express)",p:5,x:569,y:1419,w:336,h:16},
{t:"_____________________________________________________________________",p:5,x:569,y:1450,w:485,h:16},
{t:"Security Code ",p:5,x:569,y:1465,w:85,h:16},
{t:"Expiration Date ",p:5,x:680,y:1465,w:93,h:16},
{t:"Signature",p:5,x:798,y:1465,w:56,h:16},
{t:"6 ",p:6,x:28,y:1594,w:15,h:21},
{t:"APRIL 2009",p:6,x:57,y:1594,w:96,h:21},
{t:"in brief",p:6,x:28,y:22,w:76,h:35},
{t:"10 fast reads »",p:6,x:186,y:69,w:470,h:99},
{t:"FAST FACTS:",p:6,x:37,y:481,w:102,h:22},
{t:"1",p:6,x:37,y:526,w:21,h:60},
{t:"Ranking by ",p:6,x:37,y:584,w:77,h:19},
{t:"members of ",p:6,x:37,y:609,w:81,h:19},
{t:"Voice magazine ",p:6,x:37,y:634,w:104,h:19},
{t:"as a source of ",p:6,x:37,y:659,w:93,h:19},
{t:"information for ",p:6,x:37,y:684,w:98,h:19},
{t:"news about ",p:6,x:37,y:709,w:78,h:19},
{t:"member ben-",p:6,x:37,y:734,w:88,h:19},
{t:"efts, education ",p:6,x:37,y:759,w:102,h:19},
{t:"issues, strate-",p:6,x:37,y:784,w:88,h:19},
{t:"gies to improve ",p:6,x:37,y:809,w:101,h:19},
{t:"student ",p:6,x:37,y:834,w:52,h:19},
{t:"achievement ",p:6,x:37,y:859,w:86,h:19},
{t:"and more.",p:6,x:37,y:884,w:67,h:19},
{t:"40",p:6,x:37,y:951,w:42,h:60},
{t:"Percentage of ",p:6,x:37,y:1009,w:93,h:19},
{t:"members in ",p:6,x:37,y:1034,w:81,h:19},
{t:"a survey who ",p:6,x:37,y:1059,w:88,h:19},
{t:"said they’re not ",p:6,x:37,y:1084,w:102,h:19},
{t:"familiar with ",p:6,x:37,y:1109,w:81,h:19},
{t:"www.mea.org.",p:6,x:37,y:1134,w:90,h:19},
{t:"Interact with MEA on Facebook. Important events are posted on the offcial page at www.mea.org/facebook.",p:6,x:255,y:1532,w:694,h:22},
{t:"1. ",p:6,x:193,y:181,w:76,h:78},
{t:"OUTREACH TO TEACH: Student MEA members are leading an effort this ",p:6,x:251,y:190,w:756,h:30},
{t:"summer to give a Saginaw school an extreme makeover . College students ",p:6,x:251,y:221,w:753,h:29},
{t:"from campuses across Michigan will volunteer for the ",p:6,x:482,y:251,w:553,h:29},
{t:"event in early June at Zilwaukee International Studies ",p:6,x:482,y:281,w:557,h:29},
{t:"School, which serves students from preschool through ",p:6,x:482,y:311,w:559,h:29},
{t:"eighth grade. For more information, including details ",p:6,x:482,y:341,w:548,h:29},
{t:"about how you can help with this outreach project, go to ",p:6,x:482,y:371,w:583,h:29},
{t:"www.mea.org/smea. ",p:6,x:482,y:401,w:230,h:29},
{t:"5. ",p:6,x:186,y:1149,w:56,h:61},
{t:"ART SHOW: The 45th annual MEA/",p:6,x:228,y:1156,w:268,h:22},
{t:"Michigan Art Education Association Art ",p:6,x:228,y:1182,w:290,h:21},
{t:"Acquisitions Purchase Exhibition is open to",p:6,x:186,y:1207,w:323,h:21},
{t:"the public through May 4, excluding week",p:6,x:186,y:1232,w:315,h:21},
{t:"-",p:6,x:494,y:1232,w:5,h:21},
{t:"ends and April 10. The exhibition, which",p:6,x:186,y:1257,w:304,h:21},
{t:"features original works of art by MEA mem",p:6,x:186,y:1282,w:318,h:21},
{t:"-",p:6,x:497,y:1282,w:5,h:21},
{t:"bers, is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at MEA",p:6,x:186,y:1307,w:322,h:21},
{t:"’ s ",p:6,x:500,y:1307,w:15,h:21},
{t:"East Lansing headquarters. T o see winning ",p:6,x:186,y:1332,w:318,h:21},
{t:"entries, go to www.mea.org/awards/art .",p:6,x:186,y:1357,w:284,h:21},
{t:"Jurist Douglas Gray praised art in the ",p:6,x:195,y:1382,w:283,h:21},
{t:"2009 MEA/MAEA show. “There are many ",p:6,x:186,y:1407,w:315,h:21},
{t:"pieces that resonated with me and pulled ",p:6,x:186,y:1432,w:315,h:21},
{t:"me back in again and again,” he said. ",p:6,x:186,y:1457,w:308,h:22},
{t:"4. NEW REPORT: Addressing achievement gaps at school ",p:6,x:632,y:899,w:425,h:62},
{t:"will require policymakers to address problems that exist ",p:6,x:668,y:932,w:369,h:21},
{t:"outside of school. A new report commissioned by the Great Lakes ",p:6,x:632,y:957,w:427,h:21},
{t:"Center for Education Research & Practice identifes six external ",p:6,x:632,y:982,w:417,h:21},
{t:"factors that affect academic achievement. Increased spend-",p:6,x:632,y:1007,w:396,h:21},
{t:"ing on schools will probably not close achievement gaps unless ",p:6,x:632,y:1032,w:418,h:21},
{t:"the six factors are addressed, the report says. For details, go to ",p:6,x:632,y:1057,w:416,h:21},
{t:"www.greatlakescenter .org. ",p:6,x:632,y:1082,w:171,h:21},
{t:"3. ",p:6,x:483,y:749,w:56,h:61},
{t:"LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE: Association leaders and aspiring leaders ",p:6,x:526,y:756,w:543,h:22},
{t:"won’t want to miss the 2009 Summer Leadership Conference July 28-",p:6,x:526,y:782,w:525,h:21},
{t:"30. Hone your leadership skills while networking with colleagues from across ",p:6,x:483,y:807,w:580,h:21},
{t:"the state. For details, go to www.mea.org/conferences . ",p:6,x:483,y:832,w:425,h:22},
{t:"2. ",p:6,x:483,y:474,w:47,h:62},
{t:"FIELD TRIP: School Day with the ",p:6,x:519,y:481,w:239,h:22},
{t:"Detroit Shock is May 27. Tickets are ",p:6,x:519,y:507,w:235,h:21},
{t:"$8 if you reserve and pay by April 15; after ",p:6,x:483,y:532,w:281,h:21},
{t:"April 15, tickets are $10 apiece. Special ",p:6,x:483,y:557,w:264,h:21},
{t:"activities are planned, including a “School ",p:6,x:483,y:582,w:283,h:21},
{t:"Comes First” rally with Coach Aaron during ",p:6,x:483,y:607,w:286,h:21},
{t:"halftime. For details, go to www.mea.org, or ",p:6,x:483,y:632,w:287,h:21},
{t:"call Katie Johnson at 248-375-4076. ",p:6,x:483,y:657,w:257,h:22},
{t:"Student MEA members helped at a Lansing school in ",p:6,x:186,y:642,w:276,h:15},
{t:"2008. This year, they’ll clean up a school in Saginaw.",p:6,x:186,y:658,w:272,h:15},
{t:"KAREN SCHULZ/MEA",p:6,x:1067,y:1486,w:0,h:13},
{t:"KAREN SCHULZ/MEA",p:6,x:197,y:628,w:0,h:13},
{t:"MEA VOICE ",p:7,x:1113,y:1594,w:99,h:21},
{t:"7",p:7,x:1227,y:1594,w:10,h:21},
{t:"FAST FACTS:",p:7,x:1115,y:481,w:102,h:22},
{t:"62",p:7,x:1177,y:526,w:42,h:60},
{t:"Percentage of ",p:7,x:1129,y:584,w:93,h:19},
{t:"members in a ",p:7,x:1129,y:609,w:93,h:19},
{t:"survey who said ",p:7,x:1116,y:634,w:106,h:19},
{t:"the MEA should ",p:7,x:1116,y:659,w:106,h:19},
{t:"use e-mail to ",p:7,x:1135,y:684,w:87,h:19},
{t:"communicate ",p:7,x:1130,y:709,w:92,h:19},
{t:"with them.",p:7,x:1150,y:734,w:69,h:19},
{t:"893",p:7,x:1156,y:801,w:63,h:60},
{t:"Number of ",p:7,x:1149,y:859,w:73,h:19},
{t:"members in ",p:7,x:1141,y:884,w:81,h:19},
{t:"a survey (of ",p:7,x:1144,y:909,w:78,h:19},
{t:"2,690 people) ",p:7,x:1128,y:934,w:95,h:19},
{t:"who said they ",p:7,x:1130,y:959,w:92,h:19},
{t:"use the Voice ",p:7,x:1132,y:984,w:90,h:19},
{t:"frequently to ",p:7,x:1138,y:1009,w:84,h:19},
{t:"get information ",p:7,x:1122,y:1034,w:100,h:19},
{t:"they want or ",p:7,x:1140,y:1059,w:83,h:19},
{t:"need.",p:7,x:1182,y:1084,w:37,h:19},
{t:"6. ",p:7,x:186,y:199,w:47,h:62},
{t:"LEGAL HELP: Legal services are ",p:7,x:221,y:206,w:240,h:22},
{t:"provided for employment-related is-",p:7,x:221,y:232,w:235,h:21},
{t:"sues. If you have an employment-related ",p:7,x:186,y:257,w:269,h:21},
{t:"issue that needs addressing, contact your ",p:7,x:186,y:282,w:278,h:21},
{t:"MEA UniServ director. Don’t know your ",p:7,x:186,y:307,w:250,h:21},
{t:"UniServ director? Ask your local president to ",p:7,x:186,y:332,w:291,h:21},
{t:"point you in the right direction. Your UniServ ",p:7,x:186,y:357,w:292,h:21},
{t:"director will either address your matter or ",p:7,x:186,y:382,w:274,h:21},
{t:"contact MEA Legal Services on your behalf ",p:7,x:186,y:407,w:280,h:21},
{t:"to get advice. ",p:7,x:186,y:432,w:111,h:22},
{t:"PUBLISHER’S STATEMENT",p:7,x:193,y:901,w:243,h:35},
{t:"Statement of ownership, management and circulation required ",p:7,x:193,y:945,w:274,h:15},
{t:"by the Act of Aug. 12, 1970: Section 3685, Title 39 United ",p:7,x:193,y:964,w:249,h:15},
{t:"States Code.",p:7,x:193,y:982,w:54,h:15},
{t:"1. ",p:7,x:193,y:1004,w:11,h:15},
{t:"The MEA Voice is the title of the publication.",p:7,x:212,y:1004,w:190,h:15},
{t:"2. ",p:7,x:193,y:1026,w:11,h:15},
{t:"Filed 11/04/08.",p:7,x:212,y:1026,w:66,h:15},
{t:"3. ",p:7,x:193,y:1048,w:11,h:15},
{t:"Frequency of issue is 4 times per year.",p:7,x:212,y:1048,w:164,h:15},
{t:"4. ",p:7,x:193,y:1069,w:11,h:15},
{t:"Headquarters of the publisher is at 1216 Kendale Blvd., ",p:7,x:212,y:1069,w:243,h:15},
{t:"East Lansing, MI 48823.",p:7,x:212,y:1088,w:105,h:15},
{t:"5. ",p:7,x:193,y:1110,w:11,h:15},
{t:"The publisher is the Michigan Education Association, 1216 ",p:7,x:212,y:1110,w:256,h:15},
{t:"Kendale Blvd., East Lansing, MI 48823.",p:7,x:212,y:1129,w:169,h:15},
{t:"6. ",p:7,x:193,y:1150,w:11,h:15},
{t:"The owner of the publication is the Michigan Education ",p:7,x:212,y:1150,w:240,h:15},
{t:"Association, 1216 Kendale Blvd., East Lansing, MI 48823.",p:7,x:212,y:1169,w:249,h:15},
{t:"7. ",p:7,x:193,y:1191,w:11,h:15},
{t:"There are no known bondholders, mortgages or other ",p:7,x:212,y:1191,w:229,h:15},
{t:"holders of securities of the publication.",p:7,x:212,y:1210,w:169,h:15},
{t:"Average no. copies of each issue during preceding 12 months/",p:7,x:193,y:1231,w:268,h:15},
{t:"Actual no. copies of single issue published nearest fling date.",p:7,x:193,y:1250,w:269,h:15},
{t:"A. ",p:7,x:212,y:1272,w:11,h:15},
{t:"Total Copies ",p:7,x:233,y:1272,w:55,h:15},
{t:"165,400 ",p:7,x:364,y:1272,w:38,h:15},
{t:"167,000",p:7,x:420,y:1272,w:35,h:15},
{t:"B. ",p:7,x:212,y:1292,w:11,h:15},
{t:"Paid circulation",p:7,x:233,y:1292,w:68,h:15},
{t:"1. Sales ",p:7,x:233,y:1312,w:37,h:15},
{t:"0 ",p:7,x:394,y:1312,w:8,h:15},
{t:"0",p:7,x:450,y:1312,w:5,h:15},
{t:"2. Mail subscription ",p:7,x:233,y:1333,w:88,h:15},
{t:"163,862 ",p:7,x:364,y:1333,w:38,h:15},
{t:"162,257",p:7,x:420,y:1333,w:35,h:15},
{t:"C. ",p:7,x:212,y:1353,w:11,h:15},
{t:"Total paid circulation ",p:7,x:233,y:1353,w:94,h:15},
{t:"163,862 ",p:7,x:364,y:1353,w:38,h:15},
{t:"162,257",p:7,x:420,y:1353,w:35,h:15},
{t:"D. ",p:7,x:212,y:1373,w:11,h:15},
{t:"Free distribution ",p:7,x:233,y:1373,w:73,h:15},
{t:"56 ",p:7,x:389,y:1373,w:13,h:15},
{t:"58",p:7,x:445,y:1373,w:11,h:15},
{t:"E. ",p:7,x:212,y:1393,w:11,h:15},
{t:"Free distribution outside ",p:7,x:233,y:1393,w:108,h:15},
{t:"1,660 ",p:7,x:375,y:1393,w:27,h:15},
{t:"4,400",p:7,x:431,y:1393,w:24,h:15},
{t:"F. ",p:7,x:212,y:1414,w:8,h:15},
{t:"Total free distribution ",p:7,x:233,y:1414,w:95,h:15},
{t:"1,716 ",p:7,x:375,y:1414,w:27,h:15},
{t:"4,458",p:7,x:431,y:1414,w:24,h:15},
{t:"G. ",p:7,x:212,y:1434,w:11,h:15},
{t:"Total distribution ",p:7,x:233,y:1434,w:76,h:15},
{t:"165,578 ",p:7,x:364,y:1434,w:38,h:15},
{t:"166,715",p:7,x:420,y:1434,w:35,h:15},
{t:"H. ",p:7,x:212,y:1454,w:11,h:15},
{t:"Offce use, leftovers ",p:7,x:233,y:1454,w:88,h:15},
{t:"200 ",p:7,x:383,y:1454,w:19,h:15},
{t:"250",p:7,x:439,y:1454,w:16,h:15},
{t:"I. ",p:7,x:212,y:1474,w:8,h:15},
{t:"Total ",p:7,x:233,y:1474,w:23,h:15},
{t:"165,778 ",p:7,x:364,y:1474,w:38,h:15},
{t:"166,965",p:7,x:420,y:1474,w:35,h:15},
{t:"I certify that the statements made by me above are correct and ",p:7,x:193,y:1496,w:275,h:15},
{t:"complete. Karen Schulz, Editor, MEA Voice.",p:7,x:193,y:1515,w:182,h:15},
{t:"10. ",p:7,x:709,y:1349,w:71,h:62},
{t:"LABOR VOICES: MEA President Iris K. ",p:7,x:768,y:1356,w:278,h:22},
{t:"Salters writes a monthly column published in ",p:7,x:768,y:1382,w:299,h:21},
{t:"The Detroit News, usually on the fourth Friday of the ",p:7,x:709,y:1407,w:342,h:21},
{t:"month. Other labor leaders are featured in intervening ",p:7,x:709,y:1432,w:358,h:21},
{t:"weeks. Salters’ latest column is featured on the MEA ",p:7,x:709,y:1457,w:347,h:21},
{t:"home page at www.mea.org. ",p:7,x:709,y:1482,w:206,h:22},
{t:"9. ",p:7,x:483,y:1174,w:56,h:61},
{t:"SUMMER VACATION: If you’re planning a summer vacation, don’t ",p:7,x:526,y:1181,w:505,h:22},
{t:"forget to check out discounts available only to MEA members who use ",p:7,x:526,y:1207,w:531,h:21},
{t:"their membership card to access great deals. Save money on car rentals, ",p:7,x:483,y:1232,w:553,h:21},
{t:"hotel stays, food and more. If you can’t fnd your card, call 800-292-1934, ext. ",p:7,x:483,y:1257,w:590,h:21},
{t:"3308 to request a replacement. ",p:7,x:483,y:1282,w:260,h:22},
{t:"8. ",p:7,x:648,y:724,w:47,h:62},
{t:"NEW LEARNING OPPORTUNITY: The Social ",p:7,x:683,y:731,w:348,h:22},
{t:"Justice Institute is a new learning opportunity to help you ",p:7,x:683,y:757,w:377,h:21},
{t:"improve student learning and success. The July 30-31 event is ",p:7,x:648,y:782,w:412,h:21},
{t:"at Saginaw Valley State University. For more information, go to ",p:7,x:648,y:807,w:412,h:21},
{t:"www.mea.org/conferences .",p:7,x:648,y:832,w:171,h:21},
{t:"7. ",p:7,x:648,y:499,w:56,h:61},
{t:"TEACHER CERTIFICATION: It is a teacher’s ",p:7,x:690,y:506,w:338,h:22},
{t:"responsibility to keep his/her certifcate valid ",p:7,x:690,y:532,w:337,h:21},
{t:"at all times. Please know what type of certifcate you ",p:7,x:648,y:557,w:395,h:21},
{t:"hold—and its expiration date. Michigan teaching ",p:7,x:648,y:582,w:370,h:21},
{t:"certifcates or licenses expire on June 30 of a given ",p:7,x:648,y:607,w:388,h:21},
{t:"year. For more information about certifcation, go to ",p:7,x:648,y:632,w:389,h:21},
{t:"www.mea.org/pd/certifcation .",p:7,x:648,y:657,w:217,h:21},
{t:"Your MEA  ",p:7,x:492,y:1107,w:67,h:22},
{t:"member number.",p:7,x:492,y:1129,w:109,h:22},
{t:"MORGUEFILE.COM",p:7,x:197,y:859,w:0,h:13},
{t:"MORGUEFILE.COM",p:7,x:1067,y:446,w:0,h:13},
{t:"8 ",p:8,x:28,y:1594,w:15,h:21},
{t:"APRIL 2009",p:8,x:57,y:1594,w:96,h:21},
{t:"COVER STOR Y",p:8,x:28,y:22,w:149,h:35},
{t:"michigan schools",p:8,x:186,y:69,w:1216,h:134},
{t:"Go green",p:8,x:227,y:140,w:985,h:214},
{t:"More Michigan schools are going ",p:8,x:781,y:449,w:280,h:61},
{t:"green than ever before, part of a ",p:8,x:823,y:482,w:247,h:21},
{t:"new effort to conserve scarce environ-",p:8,x:781,y:507,w:285,h:21},
{t:"mental and fnancial resources.",p:8,x:781,y:532,w:236,h:21},
{t:"Over the past three years, the num-",p:8,x:791,y:557,w:267,h:21},
{t:"ber of schools seeking state recogni-",p:8,x:781,y:582,w:274,h:21},
{t:"tion as a Michigan Green School has ",p:8,x:781,y:607,w:280,h:21},
{t:"multiplied nearly 20-fold. This year, ",p:8,x:781,y:632,w:269,h:21},
{t:"about 350 schools actively engaged ",p:8,x:781,y:657,w:273,h:21},
{t:"in eco-friendly activities—everything ",p:8,x:781,y:682,w:276,h:21},
{t:"from recycling paper to building ",p:8,x:781,y:707,w:244,h:21},
{t:"birdhouses to conducting classroom ",p:8,x:781,y:732,w:277,h:21},
{t:"energy audits—to receive state recog-",p:8,x:781,y:757,w:284,h:21},
{t:"nition. Many other schools did green-",p:8,x:781,y:782,w:280,h:21},
{t:"themed activities on their own.",p:8,x:781,y:807,w:229,h:21},
{t:"And, as cash-strapped schools look ",p:8,x:791,y:832,w:272,h:21},
{t:"to pinch pennies, cutting the district ",p:8,x:781,y:857,w:276,h:21},
{t:"energy bill adds up to big savings. ",p:8,x:781,y:882,w:260,h:21},
{t:"Savings can total tens of thousands ",p:8,x:781,y:907,w:270,h:21},
{t:"of dollars annually by turning off ",p:8,x:781,y:932,w:246,h:21},
{t:"lights and computers or making other ",p:8,x:781,y:957,w:287,h:21},
{t:"adjustments.",p:8,x:781,y:982,w:96,h:21},
{t:"“With soaring gas prices and declin-",p:8,x:791,y:1007,w:272,h:21},
{t:"ing revenues, going green makes a ",p:8,x:781,y:1032,w:267,h:21},
{t:"lot of sense,” said Cristy Nagle, who ",p:8,x:781,y:1057,w:274,h:21},
{t:"coordinates green school efforts in ",p:8,x:781,y:1082,w:263,h:21},
{t:"Branch County.",p:8,x:781,y:1107,w:116,h:21},
{t:"The green schools movement started ",p:8,x:791,y:1132,w:283,h:21},
{t:"in 2005 in Hartland, where students ",p:8,x:781,y:1157,w:277,h:21},
{t:"and teachers pushed for legislation to ",p:8,x:781,y:1182,w:287,h:21},
{t:"grant Michigan Green School status to ",p:8,x:781,y:1207,w:291,h:21},
{t:"schools that achieved environmental ",p:8,x:781,y:1232,w:279,h:21},
{t:"goals. Gov. Jennifer Granholm signed ",p:8,x:781,y:1257,w:284,h:21},
{t:"Public Act 146 in May 2006.",p:8,x:781,y:1282,w:216,h:21},
{t:"Michigan is one of just a handful of ",p:8,x:791,y:1307,w:269,h:21},
{t:"states with an organized effort to pro-",p:8,x:781,y:1332,w:279,h:21},
{t:"mote green schools. In the frst year, ",p:8,x:781,y:1357,w:277,h:21},
{t:"18 schools participated. Now, many ",p:8,x:781,y:1382,w:274,h:21},
{t:"counties have volunteer coordinators ",p:8,x:781,y:1407,w:281,h:21},
{t:"to help teachers and students.",p:8,x:781,y:1432,w:228,h:21},
{t:"“I had no idea it would grow like ",p:8,x:791,y:1457,w:246,h:21},
{t:"Hartland teacher Dawn Farrell, front, and students Doug Klimek and Malissa LaFleur show the \"door",p:8,x:186,y:1504,w:864,h:25},
{t:"drafters\" made by students at the school. Drafters are used to block out the cold and save energy costs.",p:8,x:186,y:1529,w:891,h:25},
{t:"ROD SANFORD/FOR MEA",p:8,x:48,y:1468,w:0,h:13},
{t:"MEA VOICE ",p:9,x:1115,y:1594,w:99,h:21},
{t:"9",p:9,x:1227,y:1594,w:9,h:21},
{t:"michigan scho",p:9,x:-181,y:69,w:974,h:134},
{t:"ols",p:9,x:-92,y:69,w:239,h:134},
{t:"Go gr",p:9,x:-562,y:140,w:600,h:214},
{t:"een",p:9,x:-177,y:140,w:388,h:214},
{t:"this,” said Kristine Moffett, a Hartland ",p:9,x:186,y:982,w:287,h:21},
{t:"teacher who works in the media ",p:9,x:186,y:1007,w:244,h:21},
{t:"center. She’s also director of Michigan ",p:9,x:186,y:1032,w:290,h:21},
{t:"Green Schools, a nonproft group ",p:9,x:186,y:1057,w:253,h:21},
{t:"that helps public and private schools ",p:9,x:186,y:1082,w:281,h:21},
{t:"achieve environmental goals (online at ",p:9,x:186,y:1107,w:292,h:21},
{t:"www.michigangreenschools.org ).",p:9,x:186,y:1132,w:242,h:21},
{t:"Moffett, a former radio journal-",p:9,x:195,y:1157,w:230,h:21},
{t:"ist with an interest in environmental ",p:9,x:186,y:1182,w:272,h:21},
{t:"issues, was inspired by students ",p:9,x:186,y:1207,w:247,h:21},
{t:"who were excited about helping the ",p:9,x:186,y:1232,w:271,h:21},
{t:"environment.",p:9,x:186,y:1257,w:98,h:21},
{t:"One of the frst Hartland projects ",p:9,x:195,y:1282,w:250,h:21},
{t:"involved turning off the lights in 30 ",p:9,x:186,y:1307,w:265,h:21},
{t:"vending machines around the district. ",p:9,x:186,y:1332,w:290,h:21},
{t:"That simple move saved $110 per ",p:9,x:186,y:1357,w:261,h:21},
{t:"machine that year. Combined with ",p:9,x:186,y:1382,w:261,h:21},
{t:"other efforts, Hartland saved about ",p:9,x:186,y:1407,w:266,h:21},
{t:"$105,000 in 2006-07.",p:9,x:186,y:1432,w:168,h:21},
{t:"“Even more important than (the ",p:9,x:195,y:1457,w:243,h:21},
{t:"savings) to me was the fact that ",p:9,x:483,y:982,w:242,h:21},
{t:"the education piece was important ",p:9,x:483,y:1007,w:264,h:21},
{t:"for our children,” said Hartland ",p:9,x:483,y:1032,w:239,h:21},
{t:"Superintendent Janet Sifferman. ",p:9,x:483,y:1057,w:248,h:21},
{t:"“Part of our mission is to make sure ",p:9,x:483,y:1082,w:274,h:21},
{t:"our students are good stewards of ",p:9,x:483,y:1107,w:259,h:21},
{t:"the Earth…We’re all cognizant of the ",p:9,x:483,y:1132,w:279,h:21},
{t:"fact that it’s about more than saving ",p:9,x:483,y:1157,w:273,h:21},
{t:"money.”",p:9,x:483,y:1182,w:62,h:21},
{t:"Going green is something that all ",p:9,x:493,y:1207,w:251,h:21},
{t:"schools—and, better yet, all stu-",p:9,x:483,y:1232,w:243,h:21},
{t:"dents—can get excited about.",p:9,x:483,y:1257,w:225,h:21},
{t:"In White Lake, at-risk middle school ",p:9,x:493,y:1282,w:274,h:21},
{t:"students are leading the way, creating ",p:9,x:483,y:1307,w:288,h:21},
{t:"digital public service announcements ",p:9,x:483,y:1332,w:285,h:21},
{t:"to teach other students about recy-",p:9,x:483,y:1357,w:263,h:21},
{t:"cling. They’re also monitoring envi-",p:9,x:483,y:1382,w:262,h:21},
{t:"ronmental changes at a nearby park, ",p:9,x:483,y:1407,w:282,h:21},
{t:"meeting monthly with a naturalist and ",p:9,x:483,y:1432,w:288,h:21},
{t:"observing how the land changes over ",p:9,x:483,y:1457,w:284,h:21},
{t:"the course of a year. The students ",p:9,x:781,y:982,w:259,h:21},
{t:"even created a green presentation for ",p:9,x:781,y:1007,w:286,h:21},
{t:"teachers—and all the students stayed ",p:9,x:781,y:1032,w:289,h:21},
{t:"after school to explain it to about 30 ",p:9,x:781,y:1057,w:274,h:21},
{t:"teachers.",p:9,x:781,y:1082,w:69,h:21},
{t:"“These are kids that you wouldn’t ",p:9,x:791,y:1107,w:256,h:21},
{t:"expect to be leaders,” said teacher ",p:9,x:781,y:1132,w:266,h:21},
{t:"Cheryl Peters, adding that her stu-",p:9,x:781,y:1157,w:258,h:21},
{t:"dents are noticeably engaged—and ",p:9,x:781,y:1182,w:272,h:21},
{t:"reaching out to their community.",p:9,x:781,y:1207,w:244,h:21},
{t:"“When kids are excited, my job is ",p:9,x:791,y:1232,w:256,h:21},
{t:"easier,” Peters said.",p:9,x:781,y:1257,w:149,h:21},
{t:"Kellie Hawkins, 13, said she’s ",p:9,x:791,y:1282,w:227,h:21},
{t:"had fun while learning to help the ",p:9,x:781,y:1307,w:257,h:21},
{t:"environment.",p:9,x:781,y:1332,w:98,h:21},
{t:"“It’s really cool,” she said.",p:9,x:791,y:1357,w:194,h:21},
{t:"Richie Kirkland, 14, agreed, saying ",p:9,x:791,y:1382,w:268,h:21},
{t:"he and his classmates were looking ",p:9,x:781,y:1407,w:271,h:21},
{t:"Saving the planet—and a few bucks—",p:9,x:186,y:206,w:950,h:53},
{t:"makes green schools initiative popular",p:9,x:186,y:264,w:1026,h:53},
{t:"by Karen Schulz",p:9,x:917,y:107,w:122,h:21},
{t:"Editor, MEA Voice",p:9,x:907,y:132,w:132,h:21},
{t:"White Lake Middle School teacher Cheryl Peters, center in green shirt, and her students participated ",p:9,x:186,y:1504,w:874,h:25},
{t:"in several green school activities this year.",p:9,x:186,y:1529,w:363,h:25},
{t:"continued",p:9,x:848,y:1449,w:156,h:31},
{t:"KAREN SCHULZ/MEA",p:9,x:1067,y:937,w:0,h:13},
{t:"10 ",p:10,x:28,y:1594,w:26,h:21},
{t:"APRIL 2009",p:10,x:67,y:1594,w:96,h:21},
{t:"COVER STOR Y",p:10,x:28,y:22,w:149,h:35},
{t:"Green schools",p:10,x:186,y:51,w:1008,h:134},
{t:"forward to using solar cookers this ",p:10,x:186,y:657,w:261,h:21},
{t:"spring.",p:10,x:186,y:682,w:51,h:21},
{t:"“People are happy,” he said with a ",p:10,x:195,y:707,w:264,h:21},
{t:"smile.",p:10,x:186,y:732,w:44,h:21},
{t:"Where conservation and preser-",p:10,x:195,y:757,w:239,h:21},
{t:"vation used to be limited to those ",p:10,x:186,y:782,w:253,h:21},
{t:"who are very passionate about the ",p:10,x:186,y:807,w:261,h:21},
{t:"environment, more students, parents ",p:10,x:186,y:832,w:283,h:21},
{t:"and teachers are fnding ways to get ",p:10,x:186,y:857,w:276,h:21},
{t:"involved in eco-friendly efforts.",p:10,x:186,y:882,w:229,h:21},
{t:"Royal Oak teacher Deborah Taylor, ",p:10,x:195,y:907,w:264,h:21},
{t:"who teaches sixth grade science, said ",p:10,x:483,y:657,w:288,h:21},
{t:"parents at her school coordinate some ",p:10,x:483,y:682,w:292,h:21},
{t:"recycling activities. And, she’s noted ",p:10,x:483,y:707,w:277,h:21},
{t:"that students are more informed than ",p:10,x:483,y:732,w:286,h:21},
{t:"ever about steps they can take to help ",p:10,x:483,y:757,w:291,h:21},
{t:"the environment.",p:10,x:483,y:782,w:127,h:21},
{t:"“They are learning at younger and ",p:10,x:493,y:807,w:261,h:21},
{t:"younger ages that it’s important to ",p:10,x:483,y:832,w:259,h:21},
{t:"take care of our resources,” Taylor ",p:10,x:483,y:857,w:262,h:21},
{t:"said. “They’re learning it’s not just a ",p:10,x:483,y:882,w:273,h:21},
{t:"throwaway society.” ",p:10,x:483,y:907,w:152,h:21},
{t:"On the Web",p:10,x:37,y:1279,w:100,h:25},
{t:"For information ",p:10,x:37,y:1307,w:97,h:21},
{t:"about the Michigan ",p:10,x:37,y:1329,w:123,h:21},
{t:"Green Schools ",p:10,x:37,y:1352,w:89,h:21},
{t:"initiative, go to www.",p:10,x:37,y:1374,w:128,h:21},
{t:"michigangreenschools .",p:10,x:37,y:1397,w:139,h:21},
{t:"org.",p:10,x:37,y:1419,w:23,h:21},
{t:"Hartland teacher Kristine Moffett helps her district, and others, with green activities.",p:10,x:186,y:1529,w:732,h:25},
{t:"How green is ",p:10,x:791,y:659,w:206,h:45},
{t:"your school?",p:10,x:791,y:704,w:190,h:45},
{t:"Schools that earn at least ",p:10,x:791,y:764,w:220,h:25},
{t:"10 points (one point is given ",p:10,x:791,y:789,w:248,h:25},
{t:"for each activity) can receive ",p:10,x:791,y:814,w:247,h:25},
{t:"the offcial Michigan Green ",p:10,x:791,y:839,w:234,h:25},
{t:"School designation. See list of ",p:10,x:791,y:864,w:262,h:25},
{t:"activities at www.mea.org/green",p:10,x:791,y:889,w:266,h:25},
{t:"ROD SANFORD/FOR MEA",p:10,x:1067,y:622,w:0,h:13},
{t:"ROD SANFORD/FOR MEA",p:10,x:1067,y:1468,w:0,h:13},
{t:"MEA VOICE ",p:11,x:1105,y:1594,w:99,h:21},
{t:"11",p:11,x:1217,y:1594,w:19,h:21},
{t:"10 questions ",p:11,x:669,y:69,w:420,h:99},
{t:"with Kelly Flynn ",p:11,x:582,y:161,w:508,h:99},
{t:"10 questions ",p:11,x:1085,y:22,w:148,h:35},
{t:"1. What’s your background?",p:11,x:186,y:595,w:246,h:66},
{t:"I graduated from college with a major in ",p:11,x:195,y:657,w:267,h:21},
{t:"English education and a minor in journal-",p:11,x:186,y:682,w:273,h:21},
{t:"ism. I taught adult education, worked as ",p:11,x:186,y:707,w:269,h:21},
{t:"a substitute teacher, then taught in the ",p:11,x:186,y:732,w:262,h:21},
{t:"Carman-Ainsworth Community Schools for ",p:11,x:186,y:757,w:281,h:21},
{t:"16 years. I left the classroom in 2002 to ",p:11,x:186,y:782,w:264,h:21},
{t:"pursue a career in writing. ",p:11,x:186,y:807,w:177,h:21},
{t:"2. What do you write about?",p:11,x:186,y:845,w:250,h:66},
{t:"I cover every aspect of teaching, from ",p:11,x:195,y:907,w:248,h:21},
{t:"running out of Kleenex to education ",p:11,x:186,y:932,w:235,h:21},
{t:"legislation in Michigan. I’ve also written ",p:11,x:186,y:957,w:266,h:21},
{t:"extensively about the No Child Left Behind ",p:11,x:186,y:982,w:280,h:21},
{t:"act. My newspaper column is funny, edgy, ",p:11,x:186,y:1007,w:275,h:21},
{t:"serious, sad, political—just like life in the ",p:11,x:186,y:1032,w:282,h:21},
{t:"classroom.",p:11,x:186,y:1057,w:70,h:21},
{t:"3. ",p:11,x:186,y:1096,w:60,h:66},
{t:"Why did you start writing a ",p:11,x:231,y:1104,w:219,h:25},
{t:"newspaper column?",p:11,x:231,y:1129,w:160,h:25},
{t:"I had this feeling that the public had no ",p:11,x:195,y:1157,w:265,h:21},
{t:"idea what it was really like in the class-",p:11,x:186,y:1182,w:261,h:21},
{t:"room. I talked with friends and community ",p:11,x:186,y:1207,w:281,h:21},
{t:"members and their impression of what was ",p:11,x:186,y:1232,w:287,h:21},
{t:"going on was so different from what was ",p:11,x:186,y:1257,w:270,h:21},
{t:"really going on. My sister and Mom said, ",p:11,x:186,y:1282,w:267,h:21},
{t:"“Write a book.” But that was too daunting. ",p:11,x:186,y:1307,w:283,h:21},
{t:"So, I started with a column instead.",p:11,x:186,y:1332,w:233,h:21},
{t:"4.And now you’ve written a ",p:11,x:483,y:395,w:250,h:66},
{t:"book. Why?",p:11,x:528,y:429,w:92,h:25},
{t:"I want to educate the public and policy-",p:11,x:493,y:457,w:260,h:21},
{t:"makers about the real day-to-day challeng-",p:11,x:483,y:482,w:285,h:21},
{t:"es in the classroom. Too often, education ",p:11,x:483,y:507,w:270,h:21},
{t:"reform misses the mark because teachers ",p:11,x:483,y:532,w:278,h:21},
{t:"aren’t part of the conversation.",p:11,x:483,y:557,w:203,h:21},
{t:"5.Why aren’t teachers a part of ",p:11,x:483,y:595,w:280,h:66},
{t:"the conversation?",p:11,x:528,y:629,w:142,h:25},
{t:"Two reasons:  One, they’re never asked. ",p:11,x:493,y:657,w:259,h:21},
{t:"Legislators rarely invite them to participate, ",p:11,x:483,y:682,w:291,h:21},
{t:"rarely ask for their input. And two, teachers ",p:11,x:483,y:707,w:287,h:21},
{t:"are so busy with their students, they don’t ",p:11,x:483,y:732,w:279,h:21},
{t:"insist on being included. They don’t have ",p:11,x:483,y:757,w:271,h:21},
{t:"time to advocate for their profession. ",p:11,x:483,y:782,w:245,h:21},
{t:"6.What should people know ",p:11,x:483,y:820,w:255,h:66},
{t:"about your book?",p:11,x:528,y:854,w:138,h:25},
{t:"It’ s funny. The cover does not indicate ",p:11,x:493,y:882,w:249,h:21},
{t:"that. It’s light. It’s edgy. I always make a ",p:11,x:483,y:907,w:268,h:21},
{t:"point. The frst chapter really honors teach-",p:11,x:483,y:932,w:283,h:21},
{t:"ers, truly recognizes them and sees them ",p:11,x:483,y:957,w:271,h:21},
{t:"for what they are and what they bring to ",p:11,x:483,y:982,w:266,h:21},
{t:"the table.",p:11,x:483,y:1007,w:62,h:21},
{t:"7.Is effective public education ",p:11,x:483,y:1046,w:277,h:66},
{t:"reform possible?",p:11,x:528,y:1079,w:133,h:25},
{t:"I don’t think we can reform education until ",p:11,x:493,y:1107,w:283,h:21},
{t:"we see the issues clearly. And I don’t think ",p:11,x:483,y:1132,w:281,h:21},
{t:"the public sees the issues clearly. The anti-",p:11,x:483,y:1157,w:283,h:21},
{t:"public school machine—and I do think it’s ",p:11,x:483,y:1182,w:283,h:21},
{t:"a big corporate machine—is really power-",p:11,x:483,y:1207,w:277,h:21},
{t:"ful, smart and devious. They’ve fooded the ",p:11,x:483,y:1232,w:284,h:21},
{t:"media with an inaccurate message about ",p:11,x:483,y:1257,w:275,h:21},
{t:"teachers and public education.",p:11,x:483,y:1282,w:203,h:21},
{t:"8.What can we do to counter ",p:11,x:781,y:395,w:264,h:66},
{t:"those messages?",p:11,x:826,y:429,w:135,h:25},
{t:"Teachers need to step up. They need to ",p:11,x:791,y:457,w:256,h:21},
{t:"advocate for their profession. They are the ",p:11,x:781,y:482,w:279,h:21},
{t:"experts in teaching and learning, and they ",p:11,x:781,y:507,w:281,h:21},
{t:"need to insist on being consulted.",p:11,x:781,y:532,w:220,h:21},
{t:"9.What do you think about ",p:11,x:781,y:570,w:246,h:66},
{t:"public education?",p:11,x:826,y:604,w:145,h:25},
{t:"I happen to believe in the public school ",p:11,x:791,y:632,w:260,h:21},
{t:"system, but I don’t have a problem with ",p:11,x:781,y:657,w:263,h:21},
{t:"parents who choose to send their child to a ",p:11,x:781,y:682,w:285,h:21},
{t:"private school or a charter school or a home ",p:11,x:781,y:707,w:290,h:21},
{t:"school. But I think the public school is the ",p:11,x:781,y:732,w:279,h:21},
{t:"best deal around.",p:11,x:781,y:757,w:114,h:21},
{t:"10. ",p:11,x:781,y:795,w:90,h:66},
{t:"Do you miss teaching?",p:11,x:856,y:829,w:182,h:25},
{t:"I miss advising student publications. That ",p:11,x:791,y:857,w:281,h:21},
{t:"was so much fun. I was privileged to coach ",p:11,x:781,y:882,w:286,h:21},
{t:"some fabulous writers, talented photogra-",p:11,x:781,y:907,w:275,h:21},
{t:"phers and graphic artists. I just wanted a ",p:11,x:781,y:932,w:276,h:21},
{t:"chance to do everything they were doing! ",p:11,x:781,y:957,w:272,h:21},
{t:"! Win a signed copy of Kelly Flynn’",p:11,x:193,y:1396,w:356,h:93},
{t:"s book,  ",p:11,x:540,y:1407,w:82,h:35},
{t:"“Kids, Classrooms, and Capitol Hill.”",p:11,x:222,y:1442,w:366,h:35},
{t:"E-mail your name to Editor Karen Schulz at kschulz@mea.org by April 30 for ",p:11,x:193,y:1485,w:575,h:21},
{t:"a chance to win. Please note “book contest” in the subject line. The winner ",p:11,x:193,y:1507,w:570,h:21},
{t:"will be announced in the MEA Voice Online e-newsletter.",p:11,x:193,y:1530,w:423,h:21},
{t:"Kelly Flynn, a Michigan teacher-turned-journalist has a weekly education col-",p:11,x:483,y:282,w:577,h:21},
{t:"umn in The Flint Journal and a new book, “Kids, Classrooms and Capitol Hill: ",p:11,x:483,y:307,w:585,h:21},
{t:"A Peek Inside the Walls of America’s Public Schools.”",p:11,x:483,y:332,w:402,h:21},
{t:"COUR",p:11,x:197,y:586,w:0,h:13},
{t:"TESY PHOTO",p:11,x:197,y:558,w:0,h:13},
{t:"12 ",p:12,x:28,y:1594,w:26,h:21},
{t:"APRIL 2009",p:12,x:67,y:1594,w:96,h:21},
{t:"by Karen Schulz",p:12,x:936,y:100,w:122,h:21},
{t:"Editor, MEA Voice",p:12,x:926,y:122,w:132,h:21},
{t:"member profile",p:12,x:28,y:22,w:163,h:35},
{t:"Serving students »",p:12,x:186,y:69,w:575,h:99},
{t:"Member Profle",p:12,x:37,y:1179,w:131,h:25},
{t:"Our readers like ",p:12,x:37,y:1207,w:100,h:21},
{t:"stories about ",p:12,x:37,y:1229,w:84,h:21},
{t:"education employees. ",p:12,x:37,y:1252,w:135,h:21},
{t:"Do you know ",p:12,x:37,y:1274,w:79,h:21},
{t:"someone we should ",p:12,x:37,y:1297,w:123,h:21},
{t:"profle? What’s their ",p:12,x:37,y:1319,w:125,h:21},
{t:"job? What makes ",p:12,x:37,y:1342,w:108,h:21},
{t:"them interesting? ",p:12,x:37,y:1364,w:112,h:21},
{t:"Send your ideas to ",p:12,x:37,y:1387,w:116,h:21},
{t:"Editor Karen Schulz ",p:12,x:37,y:1409,w:123,h:21},
{t:"at kschulz@mea.org .",p:12,x:37,y:1432,w:129,h:21},
{t:"Kitchen worker helps kids in school and out",p:12,x:186,y:177,w:751,h:60},
{t:"ROD SANFORD/FOR MEA",p:12,x:1248,y:1093,w:0,h:13},
{t:"EDMORE—Josie Durham spends most of most days serv-",p:12,x:186,y:1157,w:434,h:21},
{t:"ing students.",p:12,x:186,y:1182,w:97,h:21},
{t:"As the lead food service worker at Montabella Junior/",p:12,x:195,y:1207,w:397,h:21},
{t:"Senior High School, Durham dishes out breakfast and ",p:12,x:186,y:1232,w:409,h:21},
{t:"lunch for scores of hungry teens. When her workday ",p:12,x:186,y:1257,w:397,h:21},
{t:"ends, she’s often found behind the wheel, shuttling ",p:12,x:186,y:1282,w:389,h:21},
{t:"her own children and their friends to sport practices or ",p:12,x:186,y:1307,w:414,h:21},
{t:"games. She sticks around—to cheer, of course—but also ",p:12,x:186,y:1332,w:433,h:21},
{t:"to volunteer as “team mom,” fundraiser and coach.",p:12,x:186,y:1357,w:386,h:21},
{t:"“I’m a people person,” Durham offers as an explanation.",p:12,x:195,y:1382,w:424,h:21},
{t:"It’s the kind of service that gets noticed.",p:12,x:195,y:1407,w:298,h:21},
{t:"Offers	co-worker	Ann	M.	Smith:	“Not	only	is	Josie	a	",p:12,x:195,y:1432,w:390,h:21},
{t:"hard-working, dedicated employee, she is a loyal and ",p:12,x:186,y:1457,w:404,h:21},
{t:"trusting friend.”",p:12,x:186,y:1482,w:117,h:21},
{t:"Durham starts her daily shift just after 7 a.m. She un-",p:12,x:195,y:1507,w:400,h:21},
{t:"locks the cafeteria, helps prepare breakfast and works the ",p:12,x:186,y:1532,w:440,h:21},
{t:"cash register. About 60 students eat breakfast at school ",p:12,x:632,y:1157,w:422,h:21},
{t:"daily, choosing from a menu of yogurt, bagels, pancakes, ",p:12,x:632,y:1182,w:433,h:21},
{t:"PopTarts and other items. After washing breakfast dishes ",p:12,x:632,y:1207,w:432,h:21},
{t:"(manually, thank you), Durham helps get lunch ready. ",p:12,x:632,y:1232,w:410,h:21},
{t:"About 240 of the school’s 435 students eat school lunch. ",p:12,x:632,y:1257,w:433,h:21},
{t:"Over the course of several lunch periods, Durham works ",p:12,x:632,y:1282,w:427,h:21},
{t:"the cash register again, restocks the milk cooler and helps ",p:12,x:632,y:1307,w:442,h:21},
{t:"with myriad other tasks. After lunch, she does prep work ",p:12,x:632,y:1332,w:429,h:21},
{t:"for the next day.",p:12,x:632,y:1357,w:120,h:21},
{t:"Since she has been on the job for more than a decade, ",p:12,x:642,y:1382,w:418,h:21},
{t:"Durham’s fve children have all attended the rural district; ",p:12,x:632,y:1407,w:436,h:21},
{t:"three of her children are still school-age. Her husband, ",p:12,x:632,y:1432,w:416,h:21},
{t:"Robert, owns and operates a dairy farm in nearby ",p:12,x:632,y:1457,w:377,h:21},
{t:"Blanchard.",p:12,x:632,y:1482,w:83,h:21},
{t:"Durham, 45, is one of fve women who work in the ",p:12,x:642,y:1507,w:383,h:21},
{t:"school’s cafeteria. She is the only one who works full ",p:12,x:632,y:1532,w:398,h:21},
{t:"Josie Durham with members of the Mustand Youth Wrestling Club (frst- through sixth-graders) during a practice in February.",p:12,x:263,y:1107,w:806,h:22},
{t:"MEA VOICE ",p:13,x:1103,y:1594,w:99,h:21},
{t:"13",p:13,x:1216,y:1594,w:20,h:21},
{t:"ROD SANFORD/FOR MEA",p:13,x:1067,y:1140,w:0,h:13},
{t:"time. Four of the workers are employed by the district; ",p:13,x:186,y:207,w:411,h:21},
{t:"Montabella contracts with a private company for a man-",p:13,x:186,y:232,w:419,h:21},
{t:"ager, who also oversees another school’s food program.",p:13,x:186,y:257,w:414,h:21},
{t:"Nationally, 322,000 educational support professionals ",p:13,x:195,y:282,w:409,h:21},
{t:"work in food services; most are women.",p:13,x:186,y:307,w:296,h:21},
{t:"For Durham, her top responsibility is making sure that ",p:13,x:195,y:332,w:410,h:21},
{t:"the food that gets served is safe and nutritious. What’s ",p:13,x:186,y:357,w:411,h:21},
{t:"more, she gets to work around students, including her ",p:13,x:186,y:382,w:411,h:21},
{t:"own.",p:13,x:186,y:407,w:35,h:21},
{t:"“I love working with the students,” Durham said.",p:13,x:195,y:432,w:364,h:21},
{t:"And the students love her, too.",p:13,x:195,y:457,w:229,h:21},
{t:"Students affectionately call her “Jose.” She’s a super ",p:13,x:195,y:482,w:401,h:21},
{t:"volunteer, especially with some of the local athletic teams. ",p:13,x:186,y:507,w:439,h:21},
{t:"Durham is a volunteer baseball coach who has also ",p:13,x:186,y:532,w:390,h:21},
{t:"helped with wrestling and football teams.",p:13,x:186,y:557,w:306,h:21},
{t:"Earlier this year, she organized concessions for a ",p:13,x:195,y:582,w:369,h:21},
{t:"wrestling tournament. For a middle school wrestling ",p:13,x:632,y:207,w:392,h:21},
{t:"team, she’s considered a “team mom,” a role she takes ",p:13,x:632,y:232,w:421,h:21},
{t:"seriously.",p:13,x:632,y:257,w:68,h:21},
{t:"“I get after the boys if they get in trouble in school or ",p:13,x:642,y:282,w:398,h:21},
{t:"their grades are suffering,” Durham said. “I see them at ",p:13,x:632,y:307,w:423,h:21},
{t:"school and ask them how they are doing.”",p:13,x:632,y:332,w:316,h:21},
{t:"Durham organizes meals for the boys at tournaments, ",p:13,x:642,y:357,w:408,h:21},
{t:"including making sure that the wrestlers eat healthy, bal-",p:13,x:632,y:382,w:425,h:21},
{t:"anced meals before they compete.",p:13,x:632,y:407,w:260,h:21},
{t:"She’s performed similar duties for a seventh- and eight-",p:13,x:642,y:432,w:416,h:21},
{t:"grade football team, organizing team dinners for away ",p:13,x:632,y:457,w:407,h:21},
{t:"games because most of the players can’t go home before ",p:13,x:632,y:482,w:434,h:21},
{t:"getting on the bus to ride to a game.",p:13,x:632,y:507,w:272,h:21},
{t:"When asked, Durham provides a simple explanation for ",p:13,x:642,y:532,w:421,h:21},
{t:"going above and beyond to serve others.",p:13,x:632,y:557,w:303,h:21},
{t:"“It helps,” she said. ",p:13,x:642,y:582,w:153,h:21},
{t:"MASTER OF SCIENCE IN ",p:13,x:119,y:1293,w:445,h:44},
{t:"EDUCATIONAL LEADERSHIP",p:13,x:78,y:1335,w:521,h:44},
{t:"Office of Graduate Admission",p:13,x:375,y:1419,w:224,h:19},
{t:"4090 Geddes Road",p:13,x:454,y:1440,w:145,h:19},
{t:"Ann Arbor, MI 48105",p:13,x:441,y:1461,w:157,h:19},
{t:"graduate.admissions@cuaa.edu",p:13,x:364,y:1496,w:235,h:19},
{t:"www.cuaa.edu • 888-282-2338",p:13,x:368,y:1517,w:231,h:19},
{t:"Educate Your Ambition",p:13,x:182,y:1213,w:306,h:35},
{t:"Concordia University’s School of Education",p:13,x:156,y:1271,w:358,h:22},
{t:"HOT TOPICS FOR EDUC ATORS",p:13,x:674,y:1242,w:498,h:44},
{t:"from Grand Valley State Uni versity",p:13,x:747,y:1284,w:353,h:29},
{t:"Take advantage of our relevant, fast-paced workshops to ",p:13,x:661,y:1346,w:399,h:19},
{t:"maintain certification, ",p:13,x:1034,y:1346,w:145,h:19},
{t:"or as part of a master",p:13,x:661,y:1366,w:150,h:19},
{t:"’ s or planned program (when approved in advance).",p:13,x:801,y:1366,w:364,h:19},
{t:"• ",p:13,x:684,y:1395,w:12,h:19},
{t:"Online and classroom options ",p:13,x:703,y:1395,w:175,h:19},
{t:"•  ",p:13,x:909,y:1395,w:15,h:19},
{t:"Excellent instructors and relevant topics",p:13,x:930,y:1395,w:234,h:19},
{t:" •",p:13,x:661,y:1416,w:12,h:19},
{t:"Compact workshop format  •",p:13,x:703,y:1416,w:168,h:19},
{t:"Graduate credit",p:13,x:930,y:1416,w:90,h:19},
{t:"For complete schedule:  ",p:13,x:682,y:1461,w:175,h:19},
{t:"www.gvsu.edu/hottopics",p:13,x:845,y:1460,w:171,h:20},
{t:"To enroll:  800.748.0246",p:13,x:682,y:1481,w:179,h:20},
{t:"REGISTER TODA Y. WORKSHOPS ST ART JUNE 15.",p:13,x:682,y:1504,w:331,h:25},
{t:"Josie Durham talks with wrestling coach Shaun Balhorn.",p:13,x:708,y:1157,w:360,h:22},
{t:"14 ",p:14,x:28,y:1594,w:26,h:21},
{t:"APRIL 2009",p:14,x:67,y:1594,w:96,h:21},
{t:"Court to private company: ",p:14,x:186,y:69,w:812,h:99},
{t:"Bargain with bus workers",p:14,x:186,y:161,w:783,h:99},
{t:"association buzz",p:14,x:28,y:22,w:176,h:35},
{t:"GRAND RAPIDS—In what is considered a major labor ",p:14,x:186,y:507,w:411,h:21},
{t:"victory, the District of Columbia Circuit Court of Appeals ",p:14,x:186,y:532,w:421,h:21},
{t:"ordered Dean Transportation Inc. to recognize an MEA af-",p:14,x:186,y:557,w:433,h:21},
{t:"fliate as the collective bargaining agent for Grand Rapids ",p:14,x:186,y:582,w:433,h:21},
{t:"transportation workers.",p:14,x:186,y:607,w:172,h:21},
{t:"“Let’s bargain!” said Greg Albrecht, president of the ",p:14,x:195,y:632,w:392,h:21},
{t:"Grand Rapids Educational Support Personnel Association ",p:14,x:186,y:657,w:436,h:21},
{t:"(GRESPA). “All we’ve ever wanted is for the employer to ",p:14,x:186,y:682,w:423,h:21},
{t:"negotiate in good faith.”",p:14,x:186,y:707,w:179,h:21},
{t:"The decision capped a legal battle dating to a June 2005 ",p:14,x:195,y:732,w:432,h:21},
{t:"decision by the Grand Rapids school district to fre its bus ",p:14,x:186,y:757,w:438,h:21},
{t:"drivers, mechanics and route planners, and hire Dean ",p:14,x:186,y:782,w:411,h:21},
{t:"Transportation to do their work. The contract between the ",p:14,x:186,y:807,w:435,h:21},
{t:"employees and the school district was due to expire in ",p:14,x:186,y:832,w:411,h:21},
{t:"June 2006.",p:14,x:186,y:857,w:86,h:21},
{t:"Dean rehired scores of the former Grand Rapids em-",p:14,x:195,y:882,w:396,h:21},
{t:"ployees, but balked when those workers insisted that they ",p:14,x:186,y:907,w:438,h:21},
{t:"retain GRESPA representation.",p:14,x:186,y:932,w:229,h:21},
{t:"Dean refused to negotiate with GRESPA. Instead, Dean ",p:14,x:195,y:957,w:418,h:21},
{t:"Transportation told the Grand Rapids employees that they ",p:14,x:186,y:982,w:437,h:21},
{t:"belonged to an internal employee union with $10 annual ",p:14,x:186,y:1007,w:429,h:21},
{t:"dues.",p:14,x:186,y:1032,w:41,h:21},
{t:"In its January decision, the court affrmed an order from ",p:14,x:195,y:1057,w:425,h:21},
{t:"the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), which direct-",p:14,x:186,y:1082,w:433,h:21},
{t:"ed the company to negotiate with GRESPA. Earlier, Dean ",p:14,x:186,y:1107,w:429,h:21},
{t:"opted to appeal the decision of the NLRB administrative ",p:14,x:186,y:1132,w:425,h:21},
{t:"law judge, by an appeal to the full board of the NLRB. ",p:14,x:186,y:1157,w:409,h:21},
{t:"The full board upheld the administrative law judge’s deci-",p:14,x:186,y:1182,w:430,h:21},
{t:"sion. Dean then appealed to the Court of Appeals in the ",p:14,x:186,y:1207,w:422,h:21},
{t:"District of Columbia, where the NLRB is located, which ",p:14,x:186,y:1232,w:417,h:21},
{t:"also upheld the NLRB’s decision. The company could ",p:14,x:186,y:1257,w:409,h:21},
{t:"have appealed to the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals, which ",p:14,x:186,y:1282,w:441,h:21},
{t:"takes cases from Michigan.",p:14,x:186,y:1307,w:205,h:21},
{t:"“This is a victory for employees whose jobs are threat-",p:14,x:195,y:1332,w:404,h:21},
{t:"ened by outsourcing,” said MEA President Iris K. Salters. ",p:14,x:186,y:1357,w:432,h:21},
{t:"“The MEA will not abandon members, even when the ",p:14,x:186,y:1382,w:406,h:21},
{t:"employer changes.”",p:14,x:186,y:1407,w:150,h:21},
{t:"The day after the court decision, MEA ’s Grand Rapids ",p:14,x:195,y:1432,w:407,h:21},
{t:"offce received calls from Grand Rapids employees with ",p:14,x:186,y:1457,w:421,h:21},
{t:"questions about their Weingarten Rights and other labor-",p:14,x:186,y:1482,w:425,h:21},
{t:"related matters. At press time, Dean Transportation man-",p:14,x:186,y:1507,w:427,h:21},
{t:"agement was cooperating with GRESPA. ",p:14,x:186,y:1532,w:307,h:21},
{t:"Charisse Patterson, a Grand Rapids bus driver, sent the ",p:14,x:640,y:807,w:422,h:21},
{t:"following note to MEA after the appellate ruling.",p:14,x:640,y:832,w:355,h:21},
{t:"Dear MEA,",p:14,x:649,y:857,w:66,h:21},
{t:"Four years ago, we started a journey that led us to where we ",p:14,x:649,y:882,w:395,h:21},
{t:"are today. In all that time, I still was not prepared for what I saw ",p:14,x:640,y:907,w:426,h:21},
{t:"yesterday. I saw hope restored to people who simply were just ",p:14,x:640,y:932,w:404,h:21},
{t:"existing. I saw tired eyes perk up. I witnessed feelings of change ",p:14,x:640,y:957,w:424,h:21},
{t:"for the future and, yes, I experienced those same feelings myself. ",p:14,x:640,y:982,w:429,h:21},
{t:"The entire bargaining team feels very proud of the (decision) ",p:14,x:649,y:1007,w:399,h:21},
{t:"and the opportunity to work…on this important case. ",p:14,x:640,y:1032,w:354,h:21},
{t:"On behalf of the bargaining team, drivers, route planners ",p:14,x:649,y:1057,w:379,h:21},
{t:"and mechanics, I want to thank the MEA for the hard work and ",p:14,x:640,y:1082,w:413,h:21},
{t:"dedication that went into making this victory possible. Thank ",p:14,x:640,y:1107,w:404,h:21},
{t:"you to the people who made the coffee and got the donuts, to ",p:14,x:640,y:1132,w:403,h:21},
{t:"the researchers, the hands that typed the many letters, the legal ",p:14,x:640,y:1157,w:425,h:21},
{t:"staff that put in the work necessary to tie the case together, the ",p:14,x:640,y:1182,w:420,h:21},
{t:"supervisors who made the decisions to carry on when the odds ",p:14,x:640,y:1207,w:412,h:21},
{t:"seemed stacked against us. And, thank you to countless others ",p:14,x:640,y:1232,w:416,h:21},
{t:"who worked behind the scenes and assisted in this case. ",p:14,x:640,y:1257,w:375,h:21},
{t:"Thank you, Grand Rapids Educational Support Personnel ",p:14,x:649,y:1282,w:372,h:21},
{t:"Association for having the determination to fle the case when ",p:14,x:640,y:1307,w:409,h:21},
{t:"they knew wrong had been committed. Thank you to our UniServ ",p:14,x:640,y:1332,w:420,h:21},
{t:"Director Buz Graeber. Without the resources of the MEA we would ",p:14,x:640,y:1357,w:425,h:21},
{t:"not have had a leg to stand on. We appreciate your time, dedica-",p:14,x:640,y:1382,w:423,h:21},
{t:"tion and knowledge of where to go to get anything necessary to ",p:14,x:640,y:1407,w:415,h:21},
{t:"make this case a success.",p:14,x:640,y:1432,w:171,h:21},
{t:"In closing I would like to say, THERE’S NO PLACE LIKE HOME ",p:14,x:649,y:1457,w:394,h:21},
{t:"AND GRESPA/MEA IS HOME.",p:14,x:640,y:1482,w:179,h:21},
{t:"Charisse Patterson",p:14,x:649,y:1507,w:123,h:21},
{t:"Grand Rapids Transportation",p:14,x:649,y:1532,w:188,h:21},
{t:"COUR",p:14,x:643,y:781,w:0,h:13},
{t:"TESY PHOTO",p:14,x:643,y:752,w:0,h:13},
{t:"Transportation ",p:14,x:529,y:356,w:98,h:22},
{t:"workers in Grand ",p:14,x:512,y:379,w:114,h:22},
{t:"Rapids are (still) ",p:14,x:516,y:401,w:110,h:22},
{t:"represented by an ",p:14,x:505,y:424,w:121,h:22},
{t:"MEA affliate.",p:14,x:539,y:446,w:84,h:22},
{t:"MEA VOICE ",p:15,x:1105,y:1594,w:99,h:21},
{t:"15",p:15,x:1217,y:1594,w:19,h:21},
{t:"Wayne-Westland teachers made history this past",p:15,x:186,y:274,w:393,h:61},
{t:"October, staging the frst major work stoppage in a",p:15,x:229,y:307,w:377,h:21},
{t:"Michigan public school district outside of Detroit since",p:15,x:186,y:332,w:406,h:21},
{t:"1994.",p:15,x:186,y:357,w:44,h:21},
{t:"Unifed with parents against a school board determined",p:15,x:195,y:382,w:416,h:21},
{t:"to paint a false picture of fnancial distress, teachers",p:15,x:186,y:407,w:390,h:21},
{t:"moved the bargaining focus from",p:15,x:186,y:432,w:248,h:21},
{t:"money to a quality education issue.",p:15,x:186,y:457,w:265,h:21},
{t:"Despite threats of job loss, a gag order",p:15,x:186,y:482,w:287,h:21},
{t:"on news, and a court order to return",p:15,x:186,y:507,w:272,h:21},
{t:"to work, Wayne-Westland teachers rati -",p:15,x:186,y:532,w:299,h:21},
{t:"fed a contract in early February .",p:15,x:186,y:557,w:248,h:21},
{t:"“While not nearly as much as we",p:15,x:195,y:582,w:246,h:21},
{t:"wanted or as much as the board could",p:15,x:186,y:607,w:290,h:21},
{t:"have afforded, we did reduce class",p:15,x:186,y:632,w:262,h:21},
{t:"size,” said Evelyn Baran, UniServ direc",p:15,x:186,y:657,w:292,h:21},
{t:"-",p:15,x:486,y:657,w:5,h:21},
{t:"tor. “The community is not giving up on",p:15,x:186,y:682,w:297,h:21},
{t:"lowering class size.”",p:15,x:186,y:707,w:151,h:21},
{t:"Over the new four-year contract, many ",p:15,x:195,y:732,w:299,h:21},
{t:"classes will have two to four fewer stu",p:15,x:186,y:757,w:281,h:21},
{t:"-",p:15,x:474,y:757,w:5,h:21},
{t:"dents, giving teachers more time to provide individual",p:15,x:186,y:782,w:401,h:21},
{t:"-",p:15,x:597,y:782,w:5,h:21},
{t:"ized attention to students.",p:15,x:186,y:807,w:194,h:21},
{t:"The decision by Wayne-Westland teachers to focus ",p:15,x:195,y:832,w:395,h:21},
{t:"on class size, an important professional issue, is",p:15,x:186,y:857,w:361,h:21},
{t:"noteworthy.",p:15,x:186,y:882,w:87,h:21},
{t:"“This is the frst shot over the bow that says quality",p:15,x:195,y:907,w:381,h:21},
{t:"issues have taken over bargaining,” says Donna Lutke,",p:15,x:186,y:932,w:410,h:21},
{t:"director of feld services for MEA.",p:15,x:186,y:957,w:248,h:21},
{t:"Last fall, many Wayne-Westland teachers faced class ",p:15,x:195,y:982,w:411,h:21},
{t:"sizes of 35 or 40 students; some classrooms lacked suf",p:15,x:186,y:1007,w:415,h:21},
{t:"-",p:15,x:611,y:1007,w:5,h:21},
{t:"fcient chairs or desks for every student.",p:15,x:186,y:1032,w:299,h:21},
{t:"“The teachers were overwhelmed by the number of",p:15,x:195,y:1057,w:385,h:21},
{t:"students in their classrooms,” said Nancy Strachan,",p:15,x:186,y:1082,w:389,h:21},
{t:"president of the Wayne-Westland Education Association.",p:15,x:632,y:282,w:427,h:21},
{t:"“The parents in the community wanted smaller classes",p:15,x:632,y:307,w:412,h:21},
{t:"for their children.”",p:15,x:632,y:332,w:137,h:21},
{t:"Even though state law prohibits strikes by public",p:15,x:642,y:357,w:362,h:21},
{t:"workers, teachers determined that the quality of their",p:15,x:632,y:382,w:397,h:21},
{t:"students’ education outweighed the risk of a job action.",p:15,x:632,y:407,w:414,h:21},
{t:"The prospect of stiff fnancial penalties as a",p:15,x:736,y:432,w:325,h:21},
{t:"result of their actions didn’t deter teachers",p:15,x:736,y:457,w:317,h:21},
{t:"from standing up for smaller class sizes.",p:15,x:738,y:482,w:301,h:21},
{t:"Another major issue in W ayne-Westland ",p:15,x:747,y:507,w:310,h:21},
{t:"was health insurance. Teachers retained ",p:15,x:740,y:532,w:314,h:21},
{t:"MESSA Choices, which cost about $1 mil",p:15,x:742,y:557,w:309,h:21},
{t:"-",p:15,x:1059,y:557,w:5,h:21},
{t:"lion less than a self-insured plan proposed",p:15,x:742,y:582,w:318,h:21},
{t:"by the district.",p:15,x:744,y:607,w:106,h:21},
{t:"Class size remains an important issue.",p:15,x:756,y:632,w:287,h:21},
{t:"Teachers and the community have made",p:15,x:746,y:657,w:307,h:21},
{t:"it clear that reducing class size is a key",p:15,x:748,y:682,w:292,h:21},
{t:"issue in the school board election in May",p:15,x:748,y:707,w:306,h:21},
{t:", ",p:15,x:1061,y:707,w:9,h:21},
{t:"Strachan said.",p:15,x:751,y:732,w:107,h:21},
{t:"School employees everywhere are",p:15,x:760,y:757,w:254,h:21},
{t:"concerned about the quality of education for students.",p:15,x:632,y:782,w:407,h:21},
{t:"Unfortunately, Michigan’s poor economy has led many ",p:15,x:632,y:807,w:422,h:21},
{t:"districts to cut services and programs that help students",p:15,x:632,y:832,w:421,h:21},
{t:"learn. In many districts, administrators have chosen to",p:15,x:632,y:857,w:407,h:21},
{t:"increase class sizes instead of hiring enough teachers to",p:15,x:632,y:882,w:422,h:21},
{t:"have smaller, more manageable classes.",p:15,x:632,y:907,w:305,h:21},
{t:"With tougher standards from the state and federal gov",p:15,x:642,y:932,w:404,h:21},
{t:"-",p:15,x:1056,y:932,w:5,h:21},
{t:"ernments, school improvement matters are an important",p:15,x:632,y:957,w:424,h:21},
{t:"part of the bargaining process.",p:15,x:632,y:982,w:229,h:21},
{t:"“We all know the benefts of small class sizes for our",p:15,x:642,y:1007,w:392,h:21},
{t:"students,” said MEA President Iris K. Salters. “It’",p:15,x:632,y:1032,w:365,h:21},
{t:"s our ",p:15,x:1006,y:1032,w:43,h:21},
{t:"responsibility as educators to bring these issues up to",p:15,x:632,y:1057,w:401,h:21},
{t:"our school boards and at our bargaining tables.” ",p:15,x:632,y:1082,w:368,h:21},
{t:"Wayne-Westland teachers ",p:15,x:264,y:69,w:826,h:99},
{t:"ratify new contract",p:15,x:490,y:161,w:579,h:99},
{t:"association buzz",p:15,x:1040,y:22,w:176,h:35},
{t:"Wayne-Westland ",p:15,x:1087,y:1157,w:111,h:22},
{t:"EA President Nancy ",p:15,x:1087,y:1179,w:129,h:22},
{t:"Strachan, third ",p:15,x:1087,y:1202,w:100,h:22},
{t:"from right, shared ",p:15,x:1087,y:1224,w:121,h:22},
{t:"her local’s story at ",p:15,x:1087,y:1247,w:125,h:22},
{t:"an MEA conference. ",p:15,x:1087,y:1269,w:132,h:22},
{t:"She was joined by ",p:15,x:1087,y:1292,w:118,h:22},
{t:"several colleagues.",p:15,x:1087,y:1314,w:125,h:22},
{t:"KAREN SCHULZ/MEA",p:15,x:197,y:1545,w:0,h:13},
{t:"by Rosemary Carey",p:15,x:186,y:232,w:145,h:21},
{t:"16 ",p:16,x:28,y:1594,w:26,h:21},
{t:"APRIL 2009",p:16,x:67,y:1594,w:96,h:21},
{t:"member wellness",p:16,x:28,y:22,w:184,h:35},
{t:"Taking care of you »",p:16,x:186,y:69,w:633,h:99},
{t:"Special program targets heart disease",p:16,x:525,y:196,w:387,h:35},
{t:"Managing heart disease is a lifelong challenge. MESSA created the ",p:16,x:534,y:232,w:505,h:21},
{t:"Cardiovascular Health Education and Member Support Program to help ",p:16,x:525,y:257,w:542,h:21},
{t:"members improve their quality of life and strengthen their partnerships ",p:16,x:525,y:282,w:536,h:21},
{t:"with their doctors. MESSA will help you with personalized member ser-",p:16,x:525,y:307,w:529,h:21},
{t:"vices and support—call 800-336-0022, prompt 3, with questions about ",p:16,x:525,y:332,w:542,h:21},
{t:"cardiovascular disease, or self-management strategies, including lipid ",p:16,x:525,y:357,w:527,h:21},
{t:"management, medication and lifestyle modifcation.",p:16,x:525,y:382,w:387,h:21},
{t:"On the Web",p:16,x:37,y:1404,w:100,h:25},
{t:"www.messa.org ",p:16,x:37,y:1432,w:99,h:21},
{t:"Pinckney teachers return to MESSA after ",p:16,x:186,y:959,w:612,h:45},
{t:"promised savings disappear",p:16,x:186,y:1004,w:404,h:45},
{t:"by Cynthia Williams",p:16,x:186,y:1057,w:146,h:21},
{t:"Executive Director, MESSA",p:16,x:186,y:1082,w:199,h:21},
{t:"Pinckney teachers returned to the safety and security of MESSA Jan. 1 after three ",p:16,x:186,y:1124,w:638,h:61},
{t:"years with another carrier. The district left MESSA after an insurance consultant ",p:16,x:217,y:1157,w:601,h:21},
{t:"claimed a different plan would save the district $600,000. Costs skyrocketed with the ",p:16,x:186,y:1182,w:644,h:21},
{t:"non-MESSA plan this year as rates rose 35 percent. The teachers’ move back to MESSA ",p:16,x:186,y:1207,w:666,h:21},
{t:"saved the district more than $330,000 in the second half of the school year alone.",p:16,x:186,y:1232,w:616,h:21},
{t:"Pinckney’s savings are mirrored in districts across the state. Many districts are paying less for their MESSA health ",p:16,x:195,y:1257,w:855,h:21},
{t:"plan than they were three years ago. MESSA ’s rate increases over the past three years—under 4 percent—have been ",p:16,x:186,y:1282,w:883,h:21},
{t:"far below the market average.",p:16,x:186,y:1307,w:222,h:21},
{t:"MESSA is the No. 1 health plan for Michigan education employees for many reasons. MESSA",p:16,x:195,y:1332,w:699,h:21},
{t:"’ s comprehensive, ",p:16,x:894,y:1332,w:140,h:21},
{t:"quality coverage and our tradition of outstanding, personalized service have protected generations of Michigan school ",p:16,x:186,y:1357,w:885,h:21},
{t:"employees.",p:16,x:186,y:1382,w:85,h:21},
{t:"As a not-for-proft membership association created and governed by school employees, our focus is always on our ",p:16,x:195,y:1407,w:859,h:21},
{t:"members. MESSA regularly earns 98 percent satisfaction scores. Our comprehensive coverage helps keep our mem-",p:16,x:186,y:1432,w:877,h:21},
{t:"bers healthy so they can focus on helping students succeed.",p:16,x:186,y:1457,w:455,h:21},
{t:"MESSA sets the standard high for quality and service. MESSA plans and options are cost effective and attractive. ",p:16,x:195,y:1482,w:850,h:21},
{t:"But most important, MESSA coverage gives our members complete peace of mind for their health and their families’ ",p:16,x:186,y:1507,w:876,h:21},
{t:"fnancial security. ",p:16,x:186,y:1532,w:135,h:21},
{t:"MESSA",p:16,x:186,y:546,w:66,h:35},
{t:"’s Healthy Expectations helps expectant moms",p:16,x:250,y:546,w:465,h:35},
{t:"MESSA ’s comprehensive coverage gives our members important peace of mind. You can ",p:16,x:195,y:582,w:575,h:21},
{t:"relax knowing MESSA is on your side—minimizing worries and limiting out-of-pocket ",p:16,x:186,y:607,w:560,h:21},
{t:"costs—so you can focus on your health and the health of your baby.",p:16,x:186,y:632,w:444,h:21},
{t:"MESSA ’s Healthy ",p:16,x:195,y:657,w:111,h:21},
{t:"Expectations program pro-",p:16,x:186,y:682,w:173,h:21},
{t:"vides expectant parents with ",p:16,x:186,y:707,w:192,h:21},
{t:"personalized support from ",p:16,x:186,y:732,w:174,h:21},
{t:"a specially trained MESSA ",p:16,x:186,y:757,w:173,h:21},
{t:"nurse health coach. You’ll ",p:16,x:186,y:782,w:172,h:21},
{t:"learn about pre-natal care, ",p:16,x:186,y:807,w:181,h:21},
{t:"diet and exercise and what to ",p:16,x:186,y:832,w:196,h:21},
{t:"expect when you’re expecting.",p:16,x:186,y:857,w:193,h:21},
{t:"If you have questions about your benefts or would like to enroll in Healthy Expectations, ",p:16,x:195,y:882,w:576,h:21},
{t:"call MESSA ’s award-winning Member Service Center at 800-336-0013.",p:16,x:186,y:907,w:460,h:21},
{t:"Go green with MESSA",p:16,x:791,y:446,w:210,h:35},
{t:"MESSA members can opt out of ",p:16,x:800,y:482,w:245,h:21},
{t:"paper benefts statements for medi-",p:16,x:791,y:507,w:268,h:21},
{t:"cal claims as part of MESSA",p:16,x:791,y:532,w:210,h:21},
{t:"’ s Going ",p:16,x:1000,y:532,w:64,h:21},
{t:"Green initiative.",p:16,x:791,y:557,w:116,h:21},
{t:"Members who turn off paper ",p:16,x:800,y:582,w:219,h:21},
{t:"Explanation of Benefts (EOB) state-",p:16,x:791,y:607,w:269,h:21},
{t:"ments get the convenience of on-",p:16,x:791,y:632,w:251,h:21},
{t:"line EOB statements and they help ",p:16,x:791,y:657,w:265,h:21},
{t:"MESSA save printing and post-",p:16,x:791,y:682,w:232,h:21},
{t:"age costs. Members who choose ",p:16,x:791,y:707,w:250,h:21},
{t:"this service will receive an e-mail ",p:16,x:791,y:732,w:251,h:21},
{t:"notifcation each time a new online ",p:16,x:791,y:757,w:266,h:21},
{t:"statement is posted to a secure ",p:16,x:791,y:782,w:239,h:21},
{t:"member area at www.messa.org.",p:16,x:791,y:807,w:244,h:21},
{t:"Questions? Call MESSA",p:16,x:800,y:832,w:174,h:21},
{t:"’ s award-",p:16,x:973,y:832,w:67,h:21},
{t:"winning Member Service Center at ",p:16,x:791,y:857,w:264,h:21},
{t:"800-336-0013.",p:16,x:791,y:882,w:115,h:21},
{t:"MORGUEFILE.COM",p:16,x:197,y:512,w:0,h:13},
{t:"MEA VOICE ",p:17,x:1105,y:1594,w:99,h:21},
{t:"17",p:17,x:1217,y:1594,w:19,h:21},
{t:"how-to tips",p:17,x:1102,y:22,w:118,h:35},
{t:" « Bulletin board",p:17,x:553,y:69,w:516,h:99},
{t:"Advanced Placement Biology",p:17,x:292,y:368,w:290,h:35},
{t:"Summer Institute at Ferris State",p:17,x:292,y:403,w:324,h:35},
{t:"University",p:17,x:291,y:438,w:100,h:35},
{t:"July 12-18",p:17,x:227,y:472,w:85,h:22},
{t:"Ferris State University, Big Rapids",p:17,x:227,y:497,w:266,h:25},
{t:"This is an opportunity for teachers to become ",p:17,x:236,y:522,w:345,h:21},
{t:"familiar with the program before offering Advanced ",p:17,x:226,y:547,w:386,h:21},
{t:"Placement Biology as a high school course and ",p:17,x:225,y:572,w:360,h:21},
{t:"preparing students to be successful on the exam. ",p:17,x:225,y:597,w:376,h:21},
{t:"It is designed to provide AP biology teachers with ",p:17,x:225,y:622,w:373,h:21},
{t:"an introduction to the College Board’s AP program ",p:17,x:224,y:647,w:382,h:26},
{t:"as well as provide each teacher with the basic ",p:17,x:224,y:672,w:349,h:21},
{t:"tools needed to create a successful AP laboratory ",p:17,x:223,y:697,w:375,h:21},
{t:"program in the classroom. Further information is ",p:17,x:223,y:722,w:369,h:21},
{t:"online at www.ferris.edu/apinstitutes .",p:17,x:222,y:747,w:271,h:26},
{t:"Graduate Credits (3) are available, as are State ",p:17,x:231,y:772,w:355,h:21},
{t:"Board Continuing Education Units (SB-CEUs). ",p:17,x:222,y:797,w:352,h:21},
{t:"ESEA (NCLB) Title II, Part A funds may be used ",p:17,x:221,y:822,w:362,h:23},
{t:"to underwrite the cost of participation. Check with ",p:17,x:221,y:847,w:378,h:21},
{t:"your district central offce on the availability of ",p:17,x:220,y:872,w:348,h:21},
{t:"these funds.",p:17,x:220,y:897,w:93,h:21},
{t:"2009 Michigan Teaching for ",p:17,x:716,y:449,w:276,h:39},
{t:"Learning Institute",p:17,x:717,y:489,w:178,h:35},
{t:"Aug. 18-20",p:17,x:717,y:524,w:90,h:22},
{t:"Lansing Center, Lansing",p:17,x:652,y:548,w:186,h:24},
{t:"The 2009 Michigan Teaching for Learning ",p:17,x:662,y:572,w:320,h:24},
{t:"Institute is designed to accelerate the achievement ",p:17,x:653,y:600,w:385,h:21},
{t:"of all students by examining the beliefs and prac-",p:17,x:654,y:619,w:370,h:28},
{t:"tices of educators. Participants will study compre-",p:17,x:654,y:644,w:374,h:28},
{t:"hensive sets of data and apply research on current ",p:17,x:654,y:675,w:385,h:21},
{t:"instructional practice by exploring strategies that ",p:17,x:655,y:700,w:368,h:21},
{t:"infuence teaching and learning.",p:17,x:655,y:725,w:242,h:21},
{t:"A variety of strands and topics will be provided ",p:17,x:665,y:750,w:354,h:21},
{t:"for in-depth exploration. Participants are encour-",p:17,x:656,y:769,w:365,h:28},
{t:"aged to come as a building or district team to pro-",p:17,x:657,y:794,w:375,h:28},
{t:"mote a diverse learning experience. Participants ",p:17,x:657,y:825,w:366,h:21},
{t:"will be equipped to carry on conversations with ",p:17,x:657,y:850,w:357,h:21},
{t:"colleagues by assuming the role of a teacher ",p:17,x:658,y:875,w:339,h:21},
{t:"leader.",p:17,x:658,y:900,w:50,h:22},
{t:"This event is co-sponsored by the MDE and ",p:17,x:668,y:925,w:332,h:21},
{t:"MEA. For more information visit the Michigan ",p:17,x:659,y:950,w:345,h:21},
{t:"Institute	for	Educational	Management	Web	site:	",p:17,x:660,y:969,w:360,h:27},
{t:"www.myedconnect.com/miem for registration and ",p:17,x:660,y:997,w:373,h:25},
{t:"a list of this year’s strand topics.",p:17,x:661,y:1023,w:240,h:23},
{t:"SB-CEUs are available upon request.",p:17,x:670,y:1050,w:278,h:21},
{t:"Learning opportunities",p:17,x:298,y:224,w:441,h:60},
{t:"It’s not too late for summer classes!",p:17,x:298,y:281,w:496,h:44},
{t:"2009 MEA Summer Leadership",p:17,x:295,y:997,w:303,h:35},
{t:"Conference",p:17,x:297,y:1032,w:116,h:35},
{t:"July 28-30",p:17,x:227,y:1081,w:85,h:22},
{t:"Saginaw Valley State University , University Center",p:17,x:227,y:1106,w:380,h:22},
{t:"The 2009 MEA Summer Leadership Conference",p:17,x:237,y:1132,w:362,h:21},
{t:"provides an opportunity for new and experienced",p:17,x:227,y:1157,w:368,h:21},
{t:"local affliate leaders to explore a variety of educa",p:17,x:227,y:1182,w:368,h:21},
{t:"-",p:17,x:586,y:1182,w:5,h:21},
{t:"tional topics important to their role as effective lead",p:17,x:227,y:1207,w:383,h:21},
{t:"-",p:17,x:600,y:1207,w:5,h:21},
{t:"ers. This year",p:17,x:227,y:1232,w:100,h:21},
{t:"’ s conference theme is “Leading with",p:17,x:326,y:1232,w:277,h:21},
{t:"Purpose.” The conference is designed to build your",p:17,x:227,y:1257,w:386,h:21},
{t:"skills in communication, fnance, the membership",p:17,x:227,y:1282,w:376,h:21},
{t:"system, strategic planning and political action.",p:17,x:227,y:1307,w:347,h:21},
{t:"Further details on the conference, including",p:17,x:237,y:1332,w:329,h:21},
{t:"costs and housing availability , will be posted at ",p:17,x:227,y:1357,w:345,h:21},
{t:"www.mea.org after May 1.",p:17,x:227,y:1382,w:194,h:21},
{t:"SB-CEUs are available upon request for some of",p:17,x:237,y:1407,w:362,h:21},
{t:"the sessions offered.",p:17,x:227,y:1432,w:154,h:21},
{t:"18 ",p:18,x:28,y:1594,w:26,h:21},
{t:"APRIL 2009",p:18,x:67,y:1594,w:96,h:21},
{t:"Two NEA directors and two alter-",p:18,x:262,y:449,w:264,h:61},
{t:"nates will be elected by dele-",p:18,x:290,y:482,w:217,h:21},
{t:"gates to the Spring Representative ",p:18,x:262,y:507,w:262,h:21},
{t:"Assembly May 1-2 in Lansing.",p:18,x:262,y:532,w:226,h:21},
{t:"Delegates also will consider adop-",p:18,x:271,y:557,w:254,h:21},
{t:"tion of MEA ’s 2009-10 budget.",p:18,x:262,y:582,w:229,h:21},
{t:"Connie Boylan of Traverse City and ",p:18,x:271,y:607,w:266,h:21},
{t:"Thomas Brenner of Farmington Hills ",p:18,x:262,y:632,w:279,h:21},
{t:"are seeking to fll the two seats on the ",p:18,x:262,y:657,w:287,h:21},
{t:"NEA Board of Directors. The terms ",p:18,x:262,y:682,w:266,h:21},
{t:"begin Sept. 1 and continue to Aug. ",p:18,x:262,y:707,w:267,h:21},
{t:"31, 2012.",p:18,x:262,y:732,w:74,h:21},
{t:"Vivian Davis of Albion, Sue Federico ",p:18,x:271,y:757,w:275,h:21},
{t:"of Grand Haven and Daniel Quinn of ",p:18,x:262,y:782,w:279,h:21},
{t:"Grosse Pointe Farms are running as ",p:18,x:262,y:807,w:275,h:21},
{t:"alternates. The alternate terms also ",p:18,x:262,y:832,w:269,h:21},
{t:"run from Sept. 1 to Aug. 31, 2012.",p:18,x:262,y:857,w:261,h:21},
{t:"Nominations for these positions can ",p:18,x:271,y:882,w:274,h:21},
{t:"also be made from the foor at the ",p:18,x:262,y:907,w:259,h:21},
{t:"Representative Assembly.",p:18,x:262,y:932,w:192,h:21},
{t:"The budget can be reviewed online ",p:18,x:271,y:957,w:269,h:21},
{t:"at www.mymea.org or by request-",p:18,x:262,y:982,w:250,h:21},
{t:"ing a copy from MEA Secretary-",p:18,x:262,y:1007,w:238,h:21},
{t:"Treasurer Peggy McLellan at ",p:18,x:262,y:1032,w:218,h:21},
{t:"pmclellan@mea.org . ",p:18,x:262,y:1057,w:155,h:21},
{t:"For NEA director",p:18,x:632,y:427,w:136,h:25},
{t:"Connie Boylan",p:18,x:632,y:471,w:143,h:35},
{t:"MEA Board member ",p:18,x:642,y:507,w:159,h:21},
{t:"Connie Boylan has been an ",p:18,x:632,y:532,w:211,h:21},
{t:"NEA director for three years. ",p:18,x:632,y:557,w:218,h:21},
{t:"Connie has been active at ",p:18,x:632,y:582,w:198,h:21},
{t:"the local, regional, state ",p:18,x:632,y:607,w:183,h:21},
{t:"and national levels serving ",p:18,x:632,y:632,w:202,h:21},
{t:"the Traverse City CAPSA as ",p:18,x:632,y:657,w:209,h:21},
{t:"president, vice president, ",p:18,x:632,y:682,w:194,h:21},
{t:"chief negotiator, area rep, ",p:18,x:632,y:707,w:196,h:21},
{t:"and MEA RA delegate. She ",p:18,x:632,y:732,w:208,h:21},
{t:"has also served as Region ",p:18,x:632,y:757,w:199,h:21},
{t:"15 coordinating council ",p:18,x:632,y:782,w:182,h:21},
{t:"secretary/treasurer and on various committees. Connie ",p:18,x:632,y:807,w:415,h:21},
{t:"has served on numerous MEA committees, including ESP ",p:18,x:632,y:832,w:438,h:21},
{t:"caucus executive board, legislative, long range bargain-",p:18,x:632,y:857,w:416,h:21},
{t:"ing, long range planning, ESP professional development, ",p:18,x:632,y:882,w:429,h:21},
{t:"privatization task force and many more.",p:18,x:632,y:907,w:296,h:21},
{t:"Hello! My name is Connie Boylan. I am seeking re-election to the ",p:18,x:642,y:957,w:424,h:21},
{t:"NEA Board of Directors.",p:18,x:632,y:982,w:152,h:21},
{t:"Proudly serving MEA members at the local, state, and national ",p:18,x:642,y:1007,w:412,h:21},
{t:"level, an advocate for public education, students, MEA, and the ",p:18,x:632,y:1032,w:418,h:21},
{t:"sanctity of unions…I am asking you for your support, your vote, as ",p:18,x:632,y:1057,w:440,h:21},
{t:"I run for re-election to the NEA Board of Directors.",p:18,x:632,y:1082,w:323,h:21},
{t:"What happens in D.C.? NEA lobbyists brief NEA directors before ",p:18,x:642,y:1107,w:416,h:21},
{t:"heading off to the Hill where we lobby members of the House and ",p:18,x:632,y:1132,w:429,h:21},
{t:"Senate. Networking with our constituents from other states prior ",p:18,x:632,y:1157,w:423,h:21},
{t:"to Board meetings, we discuss NEA initiatives, budget, educa-",p:18,x:632,y:1182,w:408,h:21},
{t:"tion policies, politics, and state concerns. I have been appointed ",p:18,x:632,y:1207,w:425,h:21},
{t:"to the “Read Across America” and “Annual Meeting Review” ",p:18,x:632,y:1232,w:397,h:21},
{t:"Committees. NEA ESP directors meet regularly when in D.C.",p:18,x:632,y:1257,w:387,h:21},
{t:"Under new leadership, NEA is experiencing change. ",p:18,x:642,y:1282,w:338,h:21},
{t:"“Transforming Public Education” being the new NEA buzzword. ",p:18,x:632,y:1307,w:414,h:21},
{t:"Change is necessary, not all change is good. It is the responsibil-",p:18,x:632,y:1332,w:427,h:21},
{t:"ity of your NEA directors to make sure the voice of MEA is heard…",p:18,x:632,y:1357,w:431,h:21},
{t:"that our “strong union values” are not compromised. Rest as-",p:18,x:632,y:1382,w:405,h:21},
{t:"sured, when Michigan directors speak, other directors listen.",p:18,x:632,y:1407,w:395,h:21},
{t:"Attacks on Unions and Public Education are at an all time high. ",p:18,x:642,y:1432,w:420,h:21},
{t:"The national economic crisis…blamed on Union greed. Those ",p:18,x:632,y:1457,w:406,h:21},
{t:"peddling privatization, charter schools, the “Tucker Report,” Right ",p:18,x:632,y:1482,w:436,h:21},
{t:"to Work Zones, and other anti-union ballot initiatives such as ",p:18,x:632,y:1507,w:404,h:21},
{t:"“Save Our Secret Ballot” and anti-Employee Free Choice Act, are ",p:18,x:632,y:1532,w:424,h:21},
{t:"spring ra",p:18,x:28,y:22,w:95,h:35},
{t:"Spring RA delegates",p:18,x:186,y:69,w:625,h:99},
{t:"to elect NEA directors, adopt ",p:18,x:186,y:166,w:726,h:79},
{t:"2009-10 budget",p:18,x:186,y:246,w:403,h:79},
{t:"Event is May 1-2 in Lansing.",p:18,x:798,y:321,w:278,h:35},
{t:"www.ce.emich.edu/careerboost",p:18,x:289,y:1448,w:261,h:23},
{t:"Career-Boosting",p:18,x:348,y:1221,w:205,h:34},
{t:"Accelerated Programs",p:18,x:311,y:1258,w:277,h:34},
{t:"for Educators",p:18,x:366,y:1296,w:167,h:34},
{t:"•Onli ne",p:18,x:376,y:1335,w:83,h:28},
{t:"•Weekend",p:18,x:376,y:1367,w:106,h:28},
{t:"•Off Campus",p:18,x:376,y:1400,w:137,h:28},
{t:"CE1923",p:18,x:66,y:1531,w:43,h:15},
{t:"MEA VOICE ",p:19,x:1103,y:1594,w:99,h:21},
{t:"19",p:19,x:1216,y:1594,w:20,h:21},
{t:"educators in the world, right in my own local! Not only do I get to ",p:19,x:632,y:307,w:426,h:21},
{t:"teach subjects I love (HS social studies), but as local president I ",p:19,x:632,y:332,w:424,h:21},
{t:"get to help members every day. And even though people say that ",p:19,x:632,y:357,w:424,h:21},
{t:"being a local leader is a thankless job, I don’t believe it. I know our ",p:19,x:632,y:382,w:441,h:21},
{t:"members appreciate the job we do.",p:19,x:632,y:407,w:229,h:21},
{t:"Finally, I have been lucky to work with dedicated leaders from ",p:19,x:642,y:432,w:405,h:21},
{t:"Michigan and around the country on the NEA Board. While we ",p:19,x:632,y:457,w:403,h:21},
{t:"don’t agree on every issue, I know we have the best interests of ",p:19,x:632,y:482,w:416,h:21},
{t:"our students and members at heart. Working together as a unifed ",p:19,x:632,y:507,w:435,h:21},
{t:"team will be the only way we can effect positive change. Moreover, ",p:19,x:632,y:532,w:437,h:21},
{t:"I get to lobby Congress, shaping federal education policy and ",p:19,x:632,y:557,w:403,h:21},
{t:"work to elect friends of public education. I could not ask for any ",p:19,x:632,y:582,w:419,h:21},
{t:"better experience as a social studies teacher or as a leader in our ",p:19,x:632,y:607,w:431,h:21},
{t:"organization.",p:19,x:632,y:632,w:85,h:21},
{t:"I encourage you to discuss my candidacy with your RA delegates ",p:19,x:642,y:657,w:423,h:21},
{t:"this spring. Thanks again!",p:19,x:632,y:682,w:173,h:21},
{t:"For NEA Director Alternate",p:19,x:632,y:735,w:218,h:25},
{t:"Vivian Davis",p:19,x:632,y:772,w:120,h:35},
{t:"MEA Board member Vivian L. Davis is seeking a second ",p:19,x:642,y:807,w:425,h:21},
{t:"term as NEA director alternate. (No picture provided.)",p:19,x:632,y:832,w:395,h:21},
{t:"I ask your support for re-election as MEA Alternate to the ",p:19,x:642,y:882,w:373,h:21},
{t:"National Education Association Board of Directors, with a term ",p:19,x:632,y:907,w:413,h:21},
{t:"beginning September 1, 2009 and ending August 31, 2012. ",p:19,x:632,y:932,w:392,h:21},
{t:"During my frst term, I had the opportunity to attend NEA Board ",p:19,x:632,y:957,w:416,h:21},
{t:"meetings and was involved in meeting with congressional leaders ",p:19,x:632,y:982,w:435,h:21},
{t:"and/or their representatives to discuss issues concerning class ",p:19,x:632,y:1007,w:417,h:21},
{t:"size, NCLB Reauthorization and Funding, Social Security offsets ",p:19,x:632,y:1032,w:419,h:21},
{t:"and health care for public school employees, and privatization. I ",p:19,x:632,y:1057,w:423,h:21},
{t:"also actively participated in the decision making process on the ",p:19,x:632,y:1082,w:421,h:21},
{t:"board foor and in board presentations. My experience, passion, ",p:19,x:632,y:1107,w:417,h:21},
{t:"commitment, and availability will continue to enable the seven ",p:19,x:632,y:1132,w:415,h:21},
{t:"NEA Board of Directors and MEA members to rest assured that ",p:19,x:632,y:1157,w:411,h:21},
{t:"the mission of the Michigan Education Association will be carried ",p:19,x:632,y:1182,w:432,h:21},
{t:"out in an effcient and professional manner in the absence of a ",p:19,x:632,y:1207,w:416,h:21},
{t:"director. MEA needs experienced leaders to carry on the work of the ",p:19,x:632,y:1232,w:439,h:21},
{t:"elected board members as we address Michigan’s challenges in ",p:19,x:632,y:1257,w:421,h:21},
{t:"public education. I am the candidate that will challenge, inform, ",p:19,x:632,y:1282,w:426,h:21},
{t:"and network with leaders in NEA to carry on the mission and goals ",p:19,x:632,y:1307,w:437,h:21},
{t:"of our NEA directors and our MEA members. Thank you for your ",p:19,x:632,y:1332,w:411,h:21},
{t:"continued support.",p:19,x:632,y:1357,w:122,h:21},
{t:"Vote for Vivian Davis, a proven leader in education on the local, ",p:19,x:642,y:1382,w:417,h:21},
{t:"state and national level.",p:19,x:632,y:1407,w:159,h:21},
{t:"claiming to be the saviors of all that is wrong with America. These ",p:19,x:186,y:307,w:437,h:21},
{t:"are veiled attempts to destroy Unionism, the very foundation on ",p:19,x:186,y:332,w:418,h:21},
{t:"which our middle class was built.",p:19,x:186,y:357,w:219,h:21},
{t:"We must continue to educate our members, community members, ",p:19,x:195,y:382,w:431,h:21},
{t:"as well as those from the “other side” on our issues. Working ",p:19,x:186,y:407,w:402,h:21},
{t:"together, in solidarity, we will make a difference.",p:19,x:186,y:432,w:316,h:21},
{t:"For the past three years, as your NEA director, I have served you ",p:19,x:195,y:457,w:417,h:21},
{t:"well. I have experience, the desire, and respect of my fellow NEA ",p:19,x:186,y:482,w:421,h:21},
{t:"directors in D.C. I ask for your support today…your vote at the RA! ",p:19,x:186,y:507,w:439,h:21},
{t:"Re-elect me to represent Michigan on the NEA Board of Directors.",p:19,x:186,y:532,w:425,h:21},
{t:"Vote for…Connie Boylan, NEA Director",p:19,x:195,y:557,w:250,h:21},
{t:"For NEA director",p:19,x:186,y:610,w:136,h:25},
{t:"Tom Brenner",p:19,x:186,y:647,w:127,h:35},
{t:"MEA Board member ",p:19,x:195,y:682,w:159,h:21},
{t:"Tom Brenner has served ",p:19,x:186,y:707,w:189,h:21},
{t:"one full and one partial ",p:19,x:186,y:732,w:178,h:21},
{t:"term as NEA director. ",p:19,x:186,y:757,w:165,h:21},
{t:"He is currently also in ",p:19,x:186,y:782,w:168,h:21},
{t:"his second term on the ",p:19,x:186,y:807,w:178,h:21},
{t:"NEA Board steering ",p:19,x:186,y:832,w:153,h:21},
{t:"committee. Tom serves ",p:19,x:186,y:857,w:178,h:21},
{t:"on the IPD committee ",p:19,x:186,y:882,w:169,h:21},
{t:"and is a state liaison ",p:19,x:186,y:907,w:157,h:21},
{t:"for the NEA RA. Other ",p:19,x:186,y:932,w:171,h:21},
{t:"elected or appointed ",p:19,x:186,y:957,w:159,h:21},
{t:"positions include Region ",p:19,x:186,y:982,w:189,h:21},
{t:"7 Council president and caucus chair, 9th Congressional ",p:19,x:186,y:1007,w:430,h:21},
{t:"District screening and recommendation chair, PAC chair, ",p:19,x:186,y:1032,w:431,h:21},
{t:"MEA/NEA RA delegate, Novi EA president and chief ",p:19,x:186,y:1057,w:394,h:21},
{t:"negotiator.",p:19,x:186,y:1082,w:77,h:21},
{t:"Dear Fellow MEA Member,",p:19,x:195,y:1132,w:166,h:21},
{t:"I want to thank you for the opportunity to serve as your NEA ",p:19,x:195,y:1157,w:390,h:21},
{t:"director this past term. It has truly been a life changing experi-",p:19,x:186,y:1182,w:413,h:21},
{t:"ence for me. In the time I last ran for statewide offce I have been ",p:19,x:186,y:1207,w:431,h:21},
{t:"blessed with another son, been elected as local president, and ",p:19,x:186,y:1232,w:412,h:21},
{t:"gained a lifetime of experiences working with state and national ",p:19,x:186,y:1257,w:424,h:21},
{t:"leaders in our organization. Each of these events underscores the ",p:19,x:186,y:1282,w:431,h:21},
{t:"personal, professional and political values I share with our union.",p:19,x:186,y:1307,w:428,h:21},
{t:"First and foremost is family. The well-being of my own (wife ",p:19,x:195,y:1332,w:394,h:21},
{t:"Emily and sons Daniel and Joshua) is consistent with our efforts to ",p:19,x:186,y:1357,w:440,h:21},
{t:"secure a great public school for every child. In other words, a world ",p:19,x:186,y:1382,w:441,h:21},
{t:"class educational environment, good pay and benefts, affordable ",p:19,x:186,y:1407,w:433,h:21},
{t:"higher education, and respect for all educational professionals are ",p:19,x:186,y:1432,w:440,h:21},
{t:"not only good for our members but are good for me and my family.",p:19,x:186,y:1457,w:430,h:21},
{t:"I am extremely proud to represent the members of the Novi ",p:19,x:195,y:1482,w:386,h:21},
{t:"Education Association as their president. It gives me great sat-",p:19,x:186,y:1507,w:414,h:21},
{t:"isfaction every day to work side-by-side with some of the fnest ",p:19,x:186,y:1532,w:415,h:21},
{t:"spring ra",p:19,x:1126,y:22,w:95,h:35},
{t:"continued on page 20",p:19,x:781,y:1532,w:139,h:22},
{t:"20 ",p:20,x:28,y:1594,w:26,h:21},
{t:"APRIL 2009",p:20,x:67,y:1594,w:96,h:21},
{t:" spring ra",p:20,x:28,y:22,w:101,h:35},
{t:"Sign up for your",p:20,x:790,y:1203,w:260,h:46},
{t:"Performance Learning Systems",p:20,x:669,y:1243,w:502,h:46},
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{t:"Register now at",p:20,x:779,y:1362,w:281,h:51},
{t:"www.plsweb.com ",p:20,x:769,y:1407,w:321,h:51},
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{t:"866-PLS-CLAS",p:20,x:779,y:1497,w:262,h:51},
{t:"Western Michigan University has been the place for teacher ",p:20,x:81,y:1310,w:464,h:20},
{t:"education since 1903. Our graduate programs in education are ",p:20,x:81,y:1329,w:489,h:20},
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{t:"Choose from online options or  ",p:20,x:81,y:1378,w:245,h:20},
{t:"campuses in the following locations:",p:20,x:81,y:1398,w:283,h:20},
{t:"Visit eup.wmich.edu/educate",p:20,x:81,y:1510,w:238,h:20},
{t:"Invest in yourself.",p:20,x:83,y:1226,w:353,h:59},
{t:"Western Michigan University",p:20,x:407,y:1497,w:176,h:18},
{t:"Branch Campuses and E-learning",p:20,x:399,y:1515,w:193,h:17},
{t:"Your success is our goal.",p:20,x:429,y:1202,w:164,h:19},
{t:"For NEA Director Alternate",p:20,x:186,y:184,w:218,h:25},
{t:"Susan Federico",p:20,x:186,y:221,w:155,h:35},
{t:"MEA Board member Susan Federico is seeking a sec-",p:20,x:195,y:257,w:405,h:21},
{t:"ond term as NEA Director alternate. (No picture provided.)",p:20,x:186,y:282,w:430,h:21},
{t:"I am seeking re-election for the NEA Board of Directors-alternate ",p:20,x:195,y:332,w:425,h:21},
{t:"position. This would be my second term, if re-elected. I am looking ",p:20,x:186,y:357,w:437,h:21},
{t:"forward to working for my MEA members at the NEA level again.",p:20,x:186,y:382,w:416,h:21},
{t:"Presently, besides being the NEA Board of Director-alternate, I ",p:20,x:195,y:407,w:408,h:21},
{t:"am on the MEA Board and have been for the past six years. I am ",p:20,x:186,y:432,w:422,h:21},
{t:"local president for my EA and president of Region 13. I am also ",p:20,x:186,y:457,w:416,h:21},
{t:"on the IPD Commission for MEA, PAC chair for 13 CD Coordinating ",p:20,x:186,y:482,w:434,h:21},
{t:"Council, on the MEA-PAC Governing Board and a member of the ",p:20,x:186,y:507,w:419,h:21},
{t:"MEA Budget Committee.",p:20,x:186,y:532,w:158,h:21},
{t:"I feel that it is very important to be up-to-date on local, state ",p:20,x:195,y:557,w:404,h:21},
{t:"and national issues at all times. Some of these that we face are ",p:20,x:186,y:582,w:422,h:21},
{t:"AYP, NCLB, privatization, a possible state retirement stimulus, and ",p:20,x:186,y:607,w:439,h:21},
{t:"now a union merger at the national level. I must be well informed ",p:20,x:186,y:632,w:431,h:21},
{t:"in order to respond to our MEA members’ needs as well as those of ",p:20,x:186,y:657,w:438,h:21},
{t:"our students. I am ready and prepared to continue to be an advo-",p:20,x:186,y:682,w:426,h:21},
{t:"cate for my MEA members.",p:20,x:186,y:707,w:173,h:21},
{t:"Susan Federico",p:20,x:195,y:732,w:98,h:21},
{t:"For NEA Director Alternate",p:20,x:186,y:785,w:218,h:25},
{t:"Daniel J. Quinn",p:20,x:186,y:822,w:146,h:35},
{t:"Grosse Pointe EA member ",p:20,x:195,y:857,w:202,h:21},
{t:"Daniel Quinn is an MEA RA ",p:20,x:186,y:882,w:211,h:21},
{t:"delegate and serves on MEA ’s ",p:20,x:186,y:907,w:228,h:21},
{t:"Legislation Commission. Dan is ",p:20,x:186,y:932,w:238,h:21},
{t:"active in his local, serving as a ",p:20,x:186,y:957,w:232,h:21},
{t:"building rep, PAC co-chair, and ",p:20,x:186,y:982,w:240,h:21},
{t:"bylaws committee chair. He also ",p:20,x:186,y:1007,w:247,h:21},
{t:"serves on the crisis/PR, negotia-",p:20,x:186,y:1032,w:241,h:21},
{t:"tions, elections and nominations committees.",p:20,x:186,y:1057,w:339,h:21},
{t:"I come from a long line of union workers and education pro -",p:20,x:642,y:207,w:415,h:21},
{t:"fessionals. My mother has been an MEA ESP member for over",p:20,x:632,y:232,w:418,h:21},
{t:"23 years. In addition, my wife and sister are both proud MEA",p:20,x:632,y:257,w:414,h:21},
{t:"members and are also teachers in the Grosse Pointe Public",p:20,x:632,y:282,w:404,h:21},
{t:"Schools. I have been an active MEA supporter throughout my",p:20,x:632,y:307,w:415,h:21},
{t:"career and have recently involved myself in a myriad of as -",p:20,x:632,y:332,w:411,h:21},
{t:"sociation and statewide issues to help advance the cause of",p:20,x:632,y:357,w:414,h:21},
{t:"public education in Michigan. It is my belief that all issues in",p:20,x:632,y:382,w:421,h:21},
{t:"education are political, and that our NEA directors are the key",p:20,x:632,y:407,w:423,h:21},
{t:"to informing the Legislature of important issues facing today’ s ",p:20,x:632,y:432,w:439,h:21},
{t:"students. As an alternate to the NEA directors it will be my",p:20,x:632,y:457,w:401,h:21},
{t:"job to help lobby our legislators on the importance of educa -",p:20,x:632,y:482,w:420,h:21},
{t:"tion at the national level, and to work with the NEA directors",p:20,x:632,y:507,w:413,h:21},
{t:"to ensure and advance the rights of unions in the state of",p:20,x:632,y:532,w:395,h:21},
{t:"Michigan. In educating our legislators, I will help push for",p:20,x:632,y:557,w:397,h:21},
{t:"the reforming of NCLB, make a case for adequate funding of",p:20,x:632,y:582,w:414,h:21},
{t:"schools, and the professional rights of educators and support",p:20,x:632,y:607,w:423,h:21},
{t:"personnel.",p:20,x:632,y:632,w:71,h:21},
{t:"As a young leader, I can’t give you decades of experience, or ",p:20,x:642,y:657,w:420,h:21},
{t:"a resume flled with MEA elected positions, but what I can give",p:20,x:632,y:682,w:430,h:21},
{t:"you is a vibrant leader who represents the next generation of",p:20,x:632,y:707,w:415,h:21},
{t:"MEA leaders. A leader who isn’t afraid to ask tough ques -",p:20,x:632,y:732,w:400,h:21},
{t:"tions, make sound judgments, and fght for rights that others",p:20,x:632,y:757,w:422,h:21},
{t:"imparted upon me. As is the case with the children we teach,",p:20,x:632,y:782,w:419,h:21},
{t:"the educating of tomorrow’s leaders begins today. We need ",p:20,x:632,y:807,w:411,h:21},
{t:"young, experienced professionals like me to fght for our rights",p:20,x:632,y:832,w:427,h:21},
{t:"at the local, state and national level. There are forces that",p:20,x:632,y:857,w:400,h:21},
{t:"seek to destroy us, and we must teach the next generation of",p:20,x:632,y:882,w:416,h:21},
{t:"educators about the importance of being in a union and work -",p:20,x:632,y:907,w:432,h:21},
{t:"ing to advance the education of tomorrow’s children. I want ",p:20,x:632,y:932,w:417,h:21},
{t:"to represent teachers, Michigan, the MEA, and you. I hope to",p:20,x:632,y:957,w:412,h:21},
{t:"have your support in this election.",p:20,x:632,y:982,w:232,h:21},
{t:"Signed—",p:20,x:642,y:1007,w:66,h:21},
{t:"Dan Quinn",p:20,x:642,y:1032,w:72,h:21},
{t:"MEA VOICE ",p:21,x:1105,y:1594,w:99,h:21},
{t:"21",p:21,x:1217,y:1594,w:19,h:21},
{t:"classifieds",p:21,x:1107,y:22,w:113,h:35},
{t:"« Classifieds ",p:21,x:669,y:69,w:420,h:99},
{t:"TOURS",p:21,x:37,y:184,w:60,h:25},
{t:"Tour Homesites of L.I. W ilder. Free ",p:21,x:37,y:217,w:234,h:20},
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{t:"tours	available.	L.H.	Site	Tours.	Fax:	",p:21,x:37,y:261,w:234,h:19},
{t:"810-633-9027, lhsitetours@email.com , ",p:21,x:37,y:283,w:255,h:19},
{t:"www.lhsitetours.homestead.com .",p:21,x:37,y:305,w:211,h:19},
{t:"BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES",p:21,x:41,y:336,w:238,h:25},
{t:"Recently retired or not. Use your computer ",p:21,x:37,y:369,w:284,h:20},
{t:"at home and get rich. www.my.ws/gmar , ",p:21,x:37,y:391,w:260,h:19},
{t:"middlestadt@gmail.com , 616-891-2871.",p:21,x:37,y:413,w:263,h:19},
{t:"FOR SALE",p:21,x:37,y:444,w:85,h:25},
{t:"Attention Michigan T eachers–As a service ",p:21,x:37,y:478,w:278,h:20},
{t:"to all MEA members, Midwest Pools Inc.",p:21,x:37,y:500,w:265,h:19},
{t:"is offering special discount packages on",p:21,x:37,y:522,w:261,h:19},
{t:"pool installations. (Savings up to $8,500)!!!",p:21,x:37,y:544,w:278,h:19},
{t:"Midwest Pools specializes in fberglass,",p:21,x:37,y:565,w:256,h:19},
{t:"vinyl and gunite pool installation and",p:21,x:37,y:587,w:239,h:19},
{t:"distribution. For more information or to",p:21,x:37,y:609,w:254,h:19},
{t:"schedule your free site inspection/consulta",p:21,x:37,y:631,w:280,h:19},
{t:"-",p:21,x:310,y:631,w:5,h:19},
{t:"tion,	call	toll	free	877-450-7665	or	email:	",p:21,x:37,y:653,w:266,h:19},
{t:"moreinfo@midwestpools.net .",p:21,x:37,y:675,w:184,h:19},
{t:"Curran, MI. 20 miles NE of Mio on Crooked",p:21,x:37,y:704,w:284,h:20},
{t:"Lake. Free Pontoon!!! Custom 3 bdrm,",p:21,x:37,y:726,w:249,h:19},
{t:"2.5 bath lakefront home/cottage. Visit",p:21,x:37,y:748,w:245,h:19},
{t:"www.fsbomichigan.com. Listing #3802. ",p:21,x:37,y:770,w:257,h:19},
{t:"Reduced $229,000. 989-848-7533.",p:21,x:37,y:792,w:232,h:19},
{t:"Five Acres 2 miles from Crystal Mountain",p:21,x:37,y:821,w:280,h:20},
{t:". ",p:21,x:311,y:821,w:8,h:19},
{t:"10 min. from Beulah/Crystal Lake. Partly",p:21,x:37,y:843,w:266,h:19},
{t:"wooded, $27,500 or reasonable offer",p:21,x:37,y:865,w:243,h:19},
{t:". ",p:21,x:273,y:865,w:8,h:19},
{t:"616-243-3925.",p:21,x:37,y:887,w:101,h:19},
{t:"HEALTH/WELLNESS",p:21,x:37,y:918,w:169,h:25},
{t:"Job stress? Life stress? Help from a ",p:21,x:37,y:951,w:236,h:20},
{t:"licensed psychologist with teaching experi",p:21,x:37,y:973,w:274,h:19},
{t:"-",p:21,x:305,y:973,w:5,h:19},
{t:"ence. Frank Langer , Ph.D. Traverse City ",p:21,x:37,y:995,w:258,h:19},
{t:"area. MESSA/BCBS/Others. 2 31-946-9575.",p:21,x:37,y:1017,w:278,h:19},
{t:"Help with anxiety , depression, teaching ",p:21,x:37,y:1046,w:264,h:20},
{t:"stress, and relationship issues. Robert",p:21,x:37,y:1068,w:249,h:20},
{t:"Goode, Ph.D., licensed psychologist.",p:21,x:37,y:1090,w:240,h:19},
{t:"Eastside Ann Arbor . Easy access from ",p:21,x:37,y:1112,w:246,h:19},
{t:"Ypsilanti, Plymouth, Canton. Visit",p:21,x:37,y:1134,w:216,h:19},
{t:"goodepsych.com. MESSA, Community Blue, ",p:21,x:37,y:1156,w:289,h:19},
{t:"BCBS. 734-223-4202.",p:21,x:37,y:1178,w:147,h:19},
{t:"Frustrated? Devalued? Besieged? Ignored? ",p:21,x:37,y:1207,w:282,h:20},
{t:"Conficted? Read Disregarded: T ransforming ",p:21,x:37,y:1229,w:287,h:19},
{t:"the School and Workplace Through Deep ",p:21,x:37,y:1251,w:269,h:19},
{t:"Respect and Courage, written by MEA ",p:21,x:37,y:1273,w:248,h:19},
{t:"teacher . www.Inner-Work.com.",p:21,x:37,y:1295,w:196,h:19},
{t:"TEACHING AIDS",p:21,x:37,y:1326,w:138,h:25},
{t:"Math Assemblies K-12 by Michigan’ s ",p:21,x:37,y:1359,w:252,h:20},
{t:"Professor of the Y ear 1989-90. Helping ",p:21,x:37,y:1381,w:265,h:20},
{t:"students LOVE math; encouraging curiosity",p:21,x:37,y:1403,w:282,h:19},
{t:"and	persistence.	Early	elem:	30	min;	others:	",p:21,x:37,y:1425,w:288,h:19},
{t:"50 min. Teacher inservice. Classroom visits.",p:21,x:37,y:1447,w:285,h:19},
{t:"Family	programs.	“Math	with	Hart:	The	",p:21,x:37,y:1469,w:255,h:19},
{t:"Joy, Wonder, and Fun of Mathematics” ",p:21,x:37,y:1491,w:253,h:19},
{t:"visit www.mathwithhart.com ,	e-mail:	",p:21,x:37,y:1512,w:235,h:19},
{t:"william@mathwithhart.com . 586-286-2018.",p:21,x:37,y:1534,w:282,h:19},
{t:"VACATION/RESORTS",p:21,x:335,y:184,w:170,h:25},
{t:"Classic Northern Michigan Golf at Black",p:21,x:335,y:217,w:271,h:20},
{t:"Bear Golf Club. Combining Scottish links ",p:21,x:335,y:239,w:268,h:20},
{t:"style with traditional northern Michigan",p:21,x:335,y:261,w:255,h:19},
{t:"holes, Black Bear offers some of the most",p:21,x:335,y:283,w:274,h:19},
{t:"diversifed golfng terrain in the state. Golf",p:21,x:335,y:305,w:272,h:19},
{t:"Digest 4-star rating! People’s Choice best golf ",p:21,x:335,y:327,w:292,h:19},
{t:"course award winner! Special MEA member",p:21,x:335,y:348,w:287,h:19},
{t:"value pricing. Check www.golfblackbear .net ",p:21,x:335,y:370,w:283,h:19},
{t:"then call 866-983-4441 for your tee time. ",p:21,x:335,y:392,w:269,h:19},
{t:"Teacher owned.",p:21,x:335,y:414,w:103,h:19},
{t:"Affordable Mackinaw City Memories!",p:21,x:335,y:443,w:248,h:20},
{t:"Deep discounts for MEA members at the",p:21,x:335,y:465,w:267,h:19},
{t:"Americas Best Value Inn. Largest indoor ",p:21,x:335,y:487,w:261,h:19},
{t:"pool, spa, free deluxe continental break",p:21,x:335,y:509,w:259,h:19},
{t:"-",p:21,x:588,y:509,w:5,h:19},
{t:"fast, discount ferry tickets. Let us make",p:21,x:335,y:531,w:257,h:19},
{t:"your next trip to Mackinaw City a memory",p:21,x:335,y:553,w:272,h:19},
{t:"for a lifetime! T eacher owned. Check us ",p:21,x:335,y:575,w:257,h:19},
{t:"out at www.abvimackinawcity .com. Call ",p:21,x:335,y:597,w:255,h:19},
{t:"800-647-8286 and ask for MEA discount ",p:21,x:335,y:618,w:267,h:19},
{t:"pricing.",p:21,x:335,y:640,w:49,h:19},
{t:"Mackinaw City vacations at value pricing!",p:21,x:335,y:669,w:280,h:20},
{t:"The Best Western Thunderbird Inn offers",p:21,x:335,y:692,w:267,h:19},
{t:"special value pricing to MEA members.",p:21,x:335,y:713,w:256,h:19},
{t:"Begin your day with our deluxe continental",p:21,x:335,y:735,w:280,h:19},
{t:"breakfast, then wind down after a day",p:21,x:335,y:757,w:247,h:19},
{t:"of sightseeing in our sparkling indoor",p:21,x:335,y:779,w:242,h:19},
{t:"pool, spa and sauna. Check us out at",p:21,x:335,y:801,w:244,h:19},
{t:"www.bestwesternmackinawcity .com then ",p:21,x:335,y:823,w:266,h:19},
{t:"call 800-633-1515 for reservations. Ask for ",p:21,x:335,y:845,w:278,h:19},
{t:"special MEA rate code. T eacher owned.",p:21,x:335,y:867,w:255,h:19},
{t:"Bradenton, FL. 2 bdrm/2bath, manufac -",p:21,x:335,y:896,w:262,h:20},
{t:"tured home for rent. T urn-key with lots of ",p:21,x:335,y:918,w:266,h:19},
{t:"room and storage. Pool, hot tub, shuffe",p:21,x:335,y:940,w:260,h:19},
{t:"board, tennis available. Rent $1,500/month",p:21,x:335,y:962,w:286,h:19},
{t:"with one month security deposit. A vailable ",p:21,x:335,y:983,w:273,h:19},
{t:"now. Call Pat Kozlowski 9 41-756-0037 or ",p:21,x:335,y:1005,w:268,h:19},
{t:"write 4719 Raintree St. Cir E, Bradenton, FL",p:21,x:335,y:1027,w:289,h:19},
{t:"34203.",p:21,x:335,y:1049,w:47,h:19},
{t:"Smoky Mountain Vacation, Gatlinburg, ",p:21,x:335,y:1078,w:260,h:20},
{t:"TN. 2 fully equipped cabins avail -",p:21,x:335,y:1100,w:217,h:20},
{t:"able; 1 and 3 bdrm. For details see",p:21,x:335,y:1122,w:230,h:19},
{t:"www.gsmcabinrentals.com .",p:21,x:335,y:1144,w:176,h:19},
{t:"Traverse City. Very clean 2 bdrm cot -",p:21,x:335,y:1173,w:242,h:20},
{t:"tage on Silver Lake. Fully equipped. All ",p:21,x:335,y:1195,w:259,h:20},
{t:"you need are linens and pillows. Decks,",p:21,x:335,y:1217,w:260,h:19},
{t:"dock and crystal clear water . Close to ",p:21,x:335,y:1239,w:242,h:19},
{t:"shopping, restaurants, entertainment,",p:21,x:335,y:1261,w:247,h:19},
{t:"golf, recreation. Smoke free, no pets.",p:21,x:335,y:1283,w:242,h:19},
{t:"$900/wk. Call 213-946-6844 or e-mail ",p:21,x:335,y:1305,w:250,h:19},
{t:"LynnBrin@yahoo.com . ",p:21,x:335,y:1327,w:149,h:19},
{t:"Upper Peninsula. Beginning in June. Chalet ",p:21,x:335,y:1356,w:289,h:20},
{t:"on Big Lake Manistique in Curtis. Sleeps",p:21,x:335,y:1378,w:265,h:19},
{t:"six. 1 to 1½ hrs from Mackinac Island, the",p:21,x:335,y:1400,w:278,h:19},
{t:"Soo, Shipwreck Museum, T ahquamenon ",p:21,x:335,y:1422,w:265,h:19},
{t:"Falls. 14 ft. fshing boat. $500/wk.",p:21,x:335,y:1443,w:224,h:19},
{t:"GDStahel@yahoo.com .",p:21,x:335,y:1465,w:147,h:19},
{t:"Traverse City Sunsets! Cute 2 bdrm, 1 ",p:21,x:335,y:1494,w:252,h:20},
{t:"bath cottage on Lake Leelanau. Excellent",p:21,x:335,y:1517,w:268,h:19},
{t:"swimming, golf, fshing. Non-smokers.",p:21,x:335,y:1538,w:251,h:19},
{t:"Not pets, linens. $1,195/wk. $200/night.",p:21,x:632,y:186,w:266,h:19},
{t:"269-375-9709.",p:21,x:632,y:208,w:101,h:19},
{t:"Hutchinson Island, FL. Privately owned ",p:21,x:632,y:237,w:261,h:20},
{t:"deluxe condo. Spectacular oceanfront",p:21,x:632,y:259,w:249,h:19},
{t:"views, fully equipped, beautifully deco",p:21,x:632,y:281,w:249,h:19},
{t:"-",p:21,x:876,y:281,w:5,h:19},
{t:"rated 2 bdrm/2 bath. Booking 2009-10.",p:21,x:632,y:303,w:261,h:19},
{t:"269-375-9709.",p:21,x:632,y:325,w:101,h:19},
{t:"Summer Rental near Ludington, MI. 2 ",p:21,x:632,y:353,w:257,h:20},
{t:"year-round fully equipped lakefront homes.",p:21,x:632,y:376,w:282,h:19},
{t:"Teacher owned, private beach, all sport lake,",p:21,x:632,y:398,w:293,h:19},
{t:"spectacular view , smoke & pet free. Call ",p:21,x:632,y:420,w:260,h:19},
{t:"231-464-7368 or 231-288-0066 for details.",p:21,x:632,y:441,w:278,h:19},
{t:"Caseville on Saginaw Bay",p:21,x:632,y:470,w:171,h:20},
{t:". Private lakefront ",p:21,x:799,y:470,w:116,h:20},
{t:"homes, Booking now for summer 2009…",p:21,x:632,y:493,w:272,h:19},
{t:"spring, fall, winter weekends. 9 89-550-0911, ",p:21,x:632,y:515,w:292,h:19},
{t:"989-874-5181. DLFC102@AVCI.NET .",p:21,x:632,y:536,w:240,h:19},
{t:"Cross Over the Bridge. Make next sum-",p:21,x:632,y:565,w:256,h:20},
{t:"mer’s vacation a real Michigan summer",p:21,x:632,y:588,w:258,h:19},
{t:". ",p:21,x:884,y:588,w:8,h:19},
{t:"Two Lake Michigan cottages in the heart",p:21,x:632,y:610,w:263,h:19},
{t:"of the U.P . Spectacular private beach ",p:21,x:632,y:631,w:243,h:19},
{t:"and dunes, woodsy setting, easy driving",p:21,x:632,y:653,w:261,h:19},
{t:"to U.P",p:21,x:632,y:675,w:41,h:19},
{t:".’s favorite attractions. Reasonable",p:21,x:671,y:675,w:223,h:19},
{t:"rates.	Web	site:	Kielzenlaw.com. ",p:21,x:632,y:697,w:210,h:19},
{t:"E-mail:	kielzenlaw@gmail.com .	Phone:	",p:21,x:632,y:719,w:252,h:19},
{t:"517-676-1504.",p:21,x:632,y:741,w:101,h:19},
{t:"Pictured Rocks NL. 2 bdrm home with ",p:21,x:632,y:770,w:256,h:20},
{t:"country setting overlooking Grand Marais",p:21,x:632,y:792,w:268,h:19},
{t:"harbor and majestic Lake Superior",p:21,x:632,y:814,w:226,h:19},
{t:". Fully ",p:21,x:853,y:814,w:43,h:19},
{t:"furnished Reasonable rates. Brochure.",p:21,x:632,y:836,w:254,h:19},
{t:"906-494-2766.",p:21,x:632,y:858,w:101,h:19},
{t:"Traverse City . Fully furnished, air condi -",p:21,x:632,y:887,w:256,h:20},
{t:"tioned 3 bdrm home next to large park with",p:21,x:632,y:909,w:284,h:19},
{t:"safe sandy beach and boat launch. A",p:21,x:632,y:931,w:244,h:19},
{t:"vailable ",p:21,x:871,y:931,w:52,h:19},
{t:"June–Sept. 2009. Perfect location for relax",p:21,x:632,y:953,w:280,h:19},
{t:"-",p:21,x:906,y:953,w:5,h:19},
{t:"ation, touring, recreation or summer college",p:21,x:632,y:975,w:287,h:19},
{t:"classes. Available July–Sept. @ $750/week.",p:21,x:632,y:996,w:282,h:19},
{t:"Reduced rates in June. Call 2 31-631-1814 ",p:21,x:632,y:1018,w:279,h:19},
{t:"and/or (231-946-6405 after mid April).",p:21,x:632,y:1040,w:251,h:19},
{t:"Grand Traverse Resort and Spa. Studio ",p:21,x:632,y:1069,w:258,h:20},
{t:"condo sleeps up to 4 right on East",p:21,x:632,y:1091,w:223,h:19},
{t:"Bay! Traverse City . Very competitive ",p:21,x:632,y:1113,w:230,h:19},
{t:"rates! Teacher owned 517-627-7009 or ",p:21,x:632,y:1135,w:255,h:19},
{t:"millbrookrealty@yahoo.com .",p:21,x:632,y:1157,w:180,h:19},
{t:"Homestead—Lake Michigan, Sleeping",p:21,x:632,y:1186,w:258,h:20},
{t:"Bear Dunes. Waterfront rental condo. 2 ",p:21,x:632,y:1208,w:257,h:20},
{t:"bdrm. 20 percent discount for MEA mem",p:21,x:632,y:1230,w:271,h:19},
{t:"-",p:21,x:898,y:1230,w:5,h:19},
{t:"bers. 810-621-4106.",p:21,x:632,y:1252,w:137,h:19},
{t:"Benzie County , Antel’s Vacation Rentals. ",p:21,x:632,y:1281,w:272,h:20},
{t:"Booking for the 2009 season. Y ear-round, ",p:21,x:632,y:1303,w:272,h:19},
{t:"Morningside Cottage on Little Platte Lake,",p:21,x:632,y:1325,w:272,h:19},
{t:"200 ft. of frontage, 2 miles to Lake Michigan/",p:21,x:632,y:1347,w:294,h:19},
{t:"Sleeping Bear National Lakeshore, 15 miles",p:21,x:632,y:1369,w:287,h:19},
{t:"to skiing at Crystal Mountain. Furnished,",p:21,x:632,y:1391,w:265,h:19},
{t:"2 bdrm/queen, freplace, carpeted,",p:21,x:632,y:1413,w:230,h:19},
{t:"washer/dryer, wooded/secluded, boat/mo -",p:21,x:632,y:1435,w:268,h:19},
{t:"tor, canoe, grill/picnic table, cable, smoke/",p:21,x:632,y:1456,w:276,h:19},
{t:"pet-free. Details call 2 31-882-5567, e-mail ",p:21,x:632,y:1478,w:276,h:19},
{t:"mrantel2002@yahoo.com .",p:21,x:632,y:1500,w:170,h:19},
{t:"Maui, Hawaii Vacation. Privately owned ",p:21,x:930,y:186,w:261,h:20},
{t:"deluxe condo. Spectacular oceanfront views,",p:21,x:930,y:208,w:293,h:19},
{t:"fully equipped, amenities, 2 bdrm/2 bath.",p:21,x:930,y:230,w:273,h:19},
{t:"Booking 2009-10. 734-528-2163.",p:21,x:930,y:252,w:221,h:19},
{t:"Harrisville—Lake Huron Beachfront. Clean, ",p:21,x:930,y:281,w:290,h:20},
{t:"desirable 3 bdrm, fully equipped family",p:21,x:930,y:303,w:257,h:19},
{t:"homes. Quiet, safe, private, scenic, memo",p:21,x:930,y:325,w:276,h:19},
{t:"-",p:21,x:1200,y:325,w:5,h:19},
{t:"rable vacation. Sun.–Sun. $1,000–$2,000",p:21,x:930,y:347,w:275,h:19},
{t:"weekly. Brochures mailed. 9 89-724-5584.",p:21,x:930,y:369,w:270,h:19},
{t:"Beautiful spot for a color tour",p:21,x:930,y:398,w:200,h:20},
{t:". 3 bdrm, fully ",p:21,x:1124,y:398,w:95,h:20},
{t:"equipped cabin just footsteps away from the",p:21,x:930,y:420,w:290,h:19},
{t:"Straits of Mackinac (Cheboygan), non-",p:21,x:930,y:442,w:252,h:19},
{t:"smoking. Brochure. 313-278-4849.",p:21,x:930,y:464,w:228,h:19},
{t:"Maine Oceanfront (mid-coast). 2 bdrm ",p:21,x:930,y:493,w:258,h:20},
{t:"home, country kitchen, dining room, large",p:21,x:930,y:515,w:275,h:19},
{t:"living room, deck, 50 ft. dock, near beaches,",p:21,x:930,y:537,w:294,h:19},
{t:"2 hrs/Boston. From $875/wk. T eacher-",p:21,x:930,y:559,w:248,h:19},
{t:"owner. 978-667-3039.",p:21,x:930,y:581,w:147,h:19},
{t:"Across from Mackinac Island near St.",p:21,x:930,y:609,w:254,h:20},
{t:"Ignace on water . Big! Family room, 3 ",p:21,x:930,y:631,w:242,h:20},
{t:"bdrm/2 bath, washer/dryer/microwave/",p:21,x:930,y:654,w:254,h:19},
{t:"deck/boat/hot tub. $900/wk. 5 86-784-9334, ",p:21,x:930,y:676,w:287,h:19},
{t:"248-229-0428 or ja465@wowway.com for ",p:21,x:930,y:697,w:272,h:19},
{t:"pictures.",p:21,x:930,y:719,w:57,h:19},
{t:"Lakefront log cabin on lake near Evart, MI.",p:21,x:930,y:748,w:289,h:20},
{t:"Very quiet, beautiful view , sleeps 6, loons, ",p:21,x:930,y:771,w:271,h:19},
{t:"herons, fshing, swimraft, rowboat, dock,",p:21,x:930,y:792,w:266,h:19},
{t:"$70/day, 3-day minimum, 815-758-6589 or ",p:21,x:930,y:814,w:285,h:19},
{t:"tb0jwi1@wpo.cso.niu.edu .",p:21,x:930,y:836,w:168,h:19},
{t:"Educators Bed & Breakfast T ravel ",p:21,x:930,y:865,w:226,h:20},
{t:"Network. $40 a night for two! 6,000 B&Bs",p:21,x:930,y:887,w:275,h:20},
{t:"worldwide. “Perfect Hosts!” Alta and",p:21,x:930,y:909,w:238,h:19},
{t:"Robert, Traverse City, MI #10574. See our ",p:21,x:930,y:931,w:273,h:19},
{t:"complete membership directory and join",p:21,x:930,y:953,w:266,h:19},
{t:"online at www.educatorstravel.com. PO Box ",p:21,x:930,y:975,w:284,h:19},
{t:"5279, Eugene, OR 97405, 8 00-377-3480. ",p:21,x:930,y:997,w:276,h:19},
{t:"Celebrating 20 years! Educators hosting",p:21,x:930,y:1019,w:260,h:19},
{t:"educators since 1986.",p:21,x:930,y:1041,w:147,h:19},
{t:"Harrisville. Lake Huron Beachfront. 1-3 ",p:21,x:930,y:1069,w:265,h:20},
{t:"bdrm cottages, completely furnished.",p:21,x:930,y:1092,w:244,h:19},
{t:"Downtown 1 bdrm $425, 2 bdrm $850, 3",p:21,x:930,y:1114,w:273,h:19},
{t:"bdrm (near Sturgeon Point) $1,000. Bring",p:21,x:930,y:1136,w:276,h:19},
{t:"only linens. Sat.–Sat. 3 13-882-8145 or ",p:21,x:930,y:1157,w:251,h:19},
{t:"www.pretty-lake.com .",p:21,x:930,y:1179,w:137,h:19},
{t:"Rogers City, Lake Huron furnished ",p:21,x:930,y:1208,w:231,h:20},
{t:"cottages. Clean, smoke/pet-free. Sandy",p:21,x:930,y:1230,w:257,h:20},
{t:"beach. Brochure available. $625–$650",p:21,x:930,y:1252,w:257,h:19},
{t:"weekly. 989-734-4561. 248-651-5290. ",p:21,x:930,y:1274,w:253,h:19},
{t:"772-219-1146 (winter).",p:21,x:930,y:1296,w:150,h:19},
{t:"Cedar Lake Home. Harrisville-Greenbush.",p:21,x:930,y:1325,w:280,h:20},
{t:"Northeast Michigan. 3 bdrm, modern fully",p:21,x:930,y:1347,w:276,h:19},
{t:"equipped. Weekly summer Sun. to Sun. ",p:21,x:930,y:1369,w:260,h:19},
{t:"$1,150/week. Search www.homeaway.com ",p:21,x:930,y:1391,w:279,h:19},
{t:"property #164419 for photos and more",p:21,x:930,y:1413,w:256,h:19},
{t:"information. 989-736-8264. ",p:21,x:930,y:1435,w:182,h:19},
{t:"22 ",p:22,x:28,y:1594,w:26,h:21},
{t:"APRIL 2009",p:22,x:67,y:1594,w:96,h:21},
{t:"by Matthew Gabbert",p:22,x:889,y:99,w:169,h:24},
{t:"Teacher, Highlander W ay Middle School",p:22,x:747,y:124,w:316,h:24},
{t:"If students fail,  ",p:22,x:186,y:69,w:504,h:99},
{t:"so does Michigan",p:22,x:186,y:161,w:545,h:99},
{t:"generation next",p:22,x:28,y:22,w:166,h:35},
{t:"Generation Next columns are written by MEA members who are in their frst fve years of teaching. Authors are paid for their columns. ",p:22,x:186,y:1515,w:887,h:21},
{t:"If you’re interested in writing a column, e-mail your resume, with writing sample, to Editor Karen Schulz at ",p:22,x:186,y:1538,w:692,h:21},
{t:"kschulz@mea.org.",p:22,x:868,y:1538,w:118,h:21},
{t:"A ",p:22,x:186,y:874,w:45,h:61},
{t:"lot of people wonder why I wear a ",p:22,x:217,y:882,w:256,h:21},
{t:"tie to work every day.",p:22,x:217,y:907,w:157,h:21},
{t:"I tell them that it’s because I look too ",p:22,x:195,y:932,w:280,h:21},
{t:"young without the tie.",p:22,x:186,y:957,w:161,h:21},
{t:"But, really, I dress like a professional ",p:22,x:195,y:982,w:279,h:21},
{t:"because that’s what I am—and that’s ",p:22,x:186,y:1007,w:283,h:21},
{t:"what I want my students to become.",p:22,x:186,y:1032,w:272,h:21},
{t:"Michigan is at a crossroads. Lost ",p:22,x:195,y:1057,w:250,h:21},
{t:"in the debate of how our state—and ",p:22,x:186,y:1082,w:275,h:21},
{t:"country—can pull out of the eco-",p:22,x:186,y:1107,w:248,h:21},
{t:"nomic mess is the fact that we, the ",p:22,x:186,y:1132,w:267,h:21},
{t:"newest generation of teachers, are the ",p:22,x:186,y:1157,w:291,h:21},
{t:"harbingers of hope in a state so des-",p:22,x:186,y:1182,w:274,h:21},
{t:"perately in need of good news.",p:22,x:186,y:1207,w:229,h:21},
{t:"I went through college being ",p:22,x:195,y:1232,w:217,h:21},
{t:"prepped to attain standards and ",p:22,x:186,y:1257,w:246,h:21},
{t:"benchmarks, but I also still had the ",p:22,x:186,y:1282,w:270,h:21},
{t:"romantic idea that fostering a change ",p:22,x:186,y:1307,w:285,h:21},
{t:"in the world meant connecting to that ",p:22,x:186,y:1332,w:286,h:21},
{t:"one student. Now it’s time for those ",p:22,x:186,y:1357,w:270,h:21},
{t:"two interests to come together. I am ",p:22,x:186,y:1382,w:272,h:21},
{t:"ready to convince our kids to save the ",p:22,x:186,y:1407,w:288,h:21},
{t:"day. I saw this happen frsthand in ",p:22,x:186,y:1432,w:262,h:21},
{t:"one of my classes the other day.",p:22,x:186,y:1457,w:241,h:21},
{t:"One of my eighth-graders declared ",p:22,x:493,y:882,w:266,h:21},
{t:"himself a “super hero.” And then ",p:22,x:483,y:907,w:254,h:21},
{t:"he volunteered to solve a grammar ",p:22,x:483,y:932,w:265,h:21},
{t:"problem in front of the class. This is a ",p:22,x:483,y:957,w:288,h:21},
{t:"student who was once pulling an F in ",p:22,x:483,y:982,w:285,h:21},
{t:"my class.",p:22,x:483,y:1007,w:70,h:21},
{t:"Now, he has the confdence to dis-",p:22,x:493,y:1032,w:261,h:21},
{t:"sect sentences—and he’s doing it cor-",p:22,x:483,y:1057,w:287,h:21},
{t:"rectly. He still gets frustrated, but he ",p:22,x:483,y:1082,w:276,h:21},
{t:"still tries. ",p:22,x:483,y:1107,w:71,h:21},
{t:"That student, and many more, are ",p:22,x:493,y:1132,w:262,h:21},
{t:"years away from jobs. They might ",p:22,x:483,y:1157,w:256,h:21},
{t:"think they are light years away from ",p:22,x:483,y:1182,w:271,h:21},
{t:"working. But these higher standards ",p:22,x:483,y:1207,w:277,h:21},
{t:"are forcing our students to consider ",p:22,x:483,y:1232,w:272,h:21},
{t:"the bigger picture. Some of the jobs ",p:22,x:483,y:1257,w:273,h:21},
{t:"they’ll have aren’t even invented yet.",p:22,x:483,y:1282,w:273,h:21},
{t:"But that makes my job—and yours—",p:22,x:493,y:1307,w:280,h:21},
{t:"very important. We need our students ",p:22,x:483,y:1332,w:284,h:21},
{t:"to achieve high standards and crush ",p:22,x:483,y:1357,w:276,h:21},
{t:"benchmarks so they gain the skills ",p:22,x:483,y:1382,w:261,h:21},
{t:"necessary for jobs Michigan needs.",p:22,x:483,y:1407,w:265,h:21},
{t:"We are salesmen (and women) of ",p:22,x:493,y:1432,w:256,h:21},
{t:"the real stimulus package. The way ",p:22,x:483,y:1457,w:270,h:21},
{t:"I see it, economic bailouts are a ",p:22,x:781,y:882,w:243,h:21},
{t:"short-term solution to a problem we ",p:22,x:781,y:907,w:272,h:21},
{t:"can solve with a chalkboard, some ",p:22,x:781,y:932,w:264,h:21},
{t:"patience, and true dedication to our ",p:22,x:781,y:957,w:274,h:21},
{t:"labor of love.",p:22,x:781,y:982,w:95,h:21},
{t:"I can’t just give up. I am looking to ",p:22,x:791,y:1007,w:263,h:21},
{t:"grab that one student and pull him ",p:22,x:781,y:1032,w:266,h:21},
{t:"up. If he continues to fail, then our ",p:22,x:781,y:1057,w:265,h:21},
{t:"state continues to fail. ",p:22,x:781,y:1082,w:169,h:21},
{t:"When I wake up each morning, part ",p:22,x:791,y:1107,w:275,h:21},
{t:"of me believes that the new educa-",p:22,x:781,y:1132,w:263,h:21},
{t:"tional standards are the economic ",p:22,x:781,y:1157,w:260,h:21},
{t:"salvation everyone wants.",p:22,x:781,y:1182,w:190,h:21},
{t:"It may be tougher on us and our ",p:22,x:791,y:1207,w:247,h:21},
{t:"students. But if we don’t have the ",p:22,x:781,y:1232,w:257,h:21},
{t:"faith and patience to believe they ",p:22,x:781,y:1257,w:253,h:21},
{t:"can overcome and accomplish these ",p:22,x:781,y:1282,w:281,h:21},
{t:"goals, then what can we honestly tell ",p:22,x:781,y:1307,w:280,h:21},
{t:"them? Achieving the new standards ",p:22,x:781,y:1332,w:272,h:21},
{t:"is the real stimulus, and I am trying ",p:22,x:781,y:1357,w:270,h:21},
{t:"to sell it.",p:22,x:781,y:1382,w:62,h:21},
{t:"It’s an important job. It’s big busi-",p:22,x:791,y:1407,w:251,h:21},
{t:"ness. And if you shared my view on ",p:22,x:781,y:1432,w:271,h:21},
{t:"that, you’d wear a tie, too. ",p:22,x:781,y:1457,w:198,h:21},
{t:"MATTHEW ",p:22,x:37,y:298,w:91,h:32},
{t:"GABBERT  ",p:22,x:37,y:331,w:93,h:32},
{t:"is an eighth-",p:22,x:37,y:363,w:117,h:32},
{t:"grade ",p:22,x:37,y:396,w:58,h:32},
{t:"language ",p:22,x:37,y:428,w:89,h:32},
{t:"arts teacher ",p:22,x:37,y:461,w:118,h:32},
{t:"at Highlander ",p:22,x:37,y:493,w:127,h:32},
{t:"Way Middle ",p:22,x:37,y:526,w:109,h:32},
{t:"School in ",p:22,x:37,y:558,w:89,h:32},
{t:"Howell. He ",p:22,x:37,y:591,w:100,h:32},
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